Recruiting

How Glaucoma Affects Sleep, Mood, and Brain Function

Plain-English translation of NCT07364929 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated January 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages cells at the back of the eye responsible for vision. This study is looking at whether glaucoma also harms special light-sensing cells that control sleep, alertness, mood, and thinking ability. Researchers want to understand whether brief, safe exposure to bright light can improve these symptoms in people with glaucoma.

Many people with glaucoma report trouble sleeping, daytime fatigue, and mood changes, but doctors don't fully understand why this happens or how to help. This research aims to uncover the biological reasons behind these symptoms so that treatment can be improved.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma in both eyes
you are between 45 and 75 years old (or 50–70 if you are a healthy control)
you have reasonably good vision in at least one eye, even with glaucoma
you speak English
you have not had complicated eye surgery in the past

You likely don't qualify if…

you have very severe nearsightedness (more than -8.00 diopters)
you are currently taking certain eye drops or medications that affect pupil response
you have other eye diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, or cataracts
you have been diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, mood disorder, or cognitive impairment
you work night shifts, are taking sleeping pills, or have traveled across time zones in the past month

What participation looks like

You will attend two study visits at a hospital eye clinic. At the first visit, you'll receive a comprehensive eye exam including visual field testing, eye imaging, and questionnaires about your sleep and mood. At the second visit, you'll be exposed to controlled periods of bright light (safe and non-invasive) while researchers measure how your body and alertness respond. The study compares how people with glaucoma react to light compared to healthy adults without glaucoma.

How Glaucoma Affects Sleep, Mood, and Brain Function

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(2 sites)