Brain zaps may boost mobility in the visually impaired

NCT ID NCT07341763

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Waterloo Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 08, 2026 · Updated 6 times

Summary

This pilot study tests whether a gentle, non-invasive electrical current applied to the brain can improve how people with tunnel vision (from retinitis pigmentosa, rod-cone dystrophy, or advanced glaucoma) navigate obstacles. Twenty adults will receive both real and sham stimulation in random order, then walk an obstacle course to measure speed and detection distance. The goal is to see if this technique offers a short-term boost in orientation and mobility, informing a larger future trial.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: non-invasive brain stimulation (high-frequency transcranial random noise stimulation, hf-tRNS)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new way to help people with vision loss move around more safely and confidently.
What could go wrong: This is a very small pilot study (20 people) testing only short-term effects. It may not show meaningful improvement, and any benefits might not last.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cone-rod dystrophy glaucoma Mobility Limitation Orientation, Spatial retinitis pigmentosa Vision, Low

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

GLAUCOMA LOW VISION, BOTH EYES MOBILITY AND INDEPENDENCE MOBILITY DIFFICULTY MOBILITY LIMITATION ORIENTATION PERIPHERAL VISUAL FIELD DEFECT OF BOTH EYES RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA (RP) ROD CONE DYSTROPHY VISION LOSS PARTIAL VISUALLY IMPAIRED PERSONS

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Waterloo, School of Optometry and Vision Science
RECRUITING

Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada

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