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Magnetic pulses to the brain: a new way to sharpen failing eyesight?
NCT ID NCT06612190
First seen Sep 10, 2026 · Last updated Sep 11, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
Researchers are testing whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive procedure that delivers magnetic pulses to the visual cortex, can improve eyesight in people with visual impairment. The trial enrolls 300 adults who have had cataract surgery or have a clear lens but still have poor best-corrected vision. Participants receive either active TMS or standard care for five consecutive days, then return for checkups every two weeks. The main measure is visual acuity, with visual field as a secondary measure.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the visual cortex
- What this could lead to
- If it works, TMS could offer a non-invasive way to sharpen vision for people whose eyesight stays poor after cataract surgery.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early study with 300 participants, and brain stimulation for vision is experimental. TMS can cause headaches or scalp discomfort, and it is not yet clear whether any vision gains would last.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 300 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Sep 2024
- Expected to finish
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Oct 2035
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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6 to 80 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Post cataract surgery or clear lens * Best-corrected visual acuity less than 0.1logMAR Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with cognitive impairment or mental disorders and unable to cooperate with treatment; * Diagnosed with ocular diseases that affect observation of visual function; * History of epileptic seizures; * Long term use of psychotropic drugs; * Metal implants in the body.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Eye and Ear, Nose Throat Hospital of Fudan University
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 200031, China
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