Eye Tracking Study on Eye Movement Function and Visual Attention Patterns in Patients With Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy

NCT07381413 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: TAO-A
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 100
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study focuses on eye health and visual function in patients with Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy (TAO), a condition that often causes bulging eyes and restricted eye movement. The purpose of this study is to use non-invasive eye-tracking technology to evaluate how the disease affects eye movement function. The investigators hypothesize that compared to healthy individuals, patients with TAO will show measurable differences in eye stability and the ability to track moving objects. Additionally, the investigators believe the disease may alter how patients visually scan faces (e.g., avoiding eye contact). The study will enroll 100 participants, including both patients and healthy volunteers. By recording gaze patterns while participants look at a screen, the investigators aim to objectively quantify the physical and social impact of the disease, providing better data for future treatment plans.

Conditions

Thyroid Associated Ophthalmopathies; Eye Tracking

Keywords

TAO; eye tracking

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Smooth Pursuit Function Gaze Distribution

  Participants track a moving target on the screen. This metric quantifies the spatial distribution of fixation points recorded throughout the task duration

  Baseline

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Central Fixation Stability

  Baseline

• Gaze Distribution on Ocular Areas of Interest

  Baseline

• Extraocular Muscle (EOM) Thickness

  Baseline

Study Arms (2)

TAO

Device: Non-invasive Eye Tracking Assessment

CON

Device: Non-invasive Eye Tracking Assessment

Interventions

Non-invasive Eye Tracking Assessment DEVICE

This is an observational study; no therapeutic intervention is administered. All participants undergo a single, standardized study visit that includes: Participants will undergo a visual function assessment using a desktop-based high-frequency eye tracker. The assessment consists of three parts: 1. Calibration: To ensure accurate gaze tracking. 2. Oculomotor Tasks: Participants track visual targets to measure fixation stability and smooth pursuit capabilities. 3. Visual Attention Tasks: Participants view static images to record scanning patterns. The entire process is non-invasive and lasts approximately 15-20 minutes.

CON; TAO

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 70 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy (TAO) group will consist of consecutive patients presenting to the clinic who are diagnosed with TAO according to the 2022 Chinese Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy. The healthy control group will be recruited through hospital staff volunteers and community advertisements.

You may qualify if:

• Aged between 18 and 70 years, inclusive.
• Willing and able to provide written informed consent.
• Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥ 1.0 in both eyes, with no history of ocular diseases or thyroid disorders.

You may not qualify if:

• Non-TAO Ocular Motility Disorders: History of conditions like myasthenia gravis, cranial nerve palsy, or congenital strabismus.
• Neurological Diseases: Disorders affecting oculomotor control (e.g., Parkinson's, MS, stroke, or brain tumors).
• Significant Visual Impairment: BCVA \< 0.5 due to media opacities or retinopathy, preventing clear visualization of stimuli.
• Prior Ocular Surgery: History of surgeries affecting extraocular muscle mechanics (e.g., strabismus surgery, scleral buckling).
• Psychiatric or Cognitive Disorders: Inability to follow instructions or conditions affecting eye movements (e.g., schizophrenia).
• Medication Interference: Use of drugs affecting reaction time (e.g., sedatives) within 48 hours of testing.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Shanghai Changzheng Hospital: lead

Study Sites (1)

Changzheng Hospital

Shanghai, China

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Graves Ophthalmopathy

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Eye Diseases, Hereditary; Eye Diseases; Graves Disease; Exophthalmos; Orbital Diseases; Genetic Diseases, Inborn; Congenital, Hereditary, and Neonatal Diseases and Abnormalities; Goiter; Thyroid Diseases; Endocrine System Diseases; Hyperthyroidism; Autoimmune Diseases; Immune System Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Chief of Ophthalmology

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 25, 2026
• First Posted: February 2, 2026
• Study Start: January 31, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): May 1, 2029
• Study Completion (Estimated): May 1, 2029
• Last Updated: February 6, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

CN (1)