Could zapping a nerve in your face save your sight?
NCT ID NCT07570355
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This early study tests whether stimulating a nerve cluster behind the cheekbone (the pterygopalatine ganglion) is safe and doable for people with geographic atrophy, a severe form of age-related macular degeneration that causes blind spots. Sixty-two adults will receive either real or sham stimulation over 12 months. The main goals are to see if people stick with the procedure and if it causes any harm, while also checking for hints of benefit to eye blood flow and vision.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Pterygopalatine ganglion stimulation (electrical stimulation via needle electrode)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a new, non-drug way to slow vision loss from geographic atrophy.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small pilot study focused on safety and feasibility, not on proving the treatment works. The procedure is invasive and may cause discomfort or side effects.
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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
-
Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian
Shanghai, 200030, China
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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