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What is this study?

OPTIK is short for Ocular Plasticity with paTching Intervention and esKetamine.

We are interested in understanding how the brain processes and combines signals from both eyes. Some adults have a ‘lazy eye’, also known as amblyopia. Amblyopia is caused by the brain not receiving equal input from the left and right eye during childhood. It is thought to be linked to the functioning of the visual area of the brain, and the way in which the brain combines signals from both eyes in this area.  

We are investigating how we can treat amblyopia in adults. In children with amblyopia, patching their ‘good eye’ is an effective treatment to restore normal vision, by forcing their ‘lazy eye’ to work harder. However, in adults, this is typically less effective. In contrast, studies in normally sighted adults have shown that patching temporarily boosts the functioning of the patched eye. We think this is because the brain adapts in response to patching to maintain the balance in signals from both eyes. In adults with amblyopia, visual function has been shown to be improved through patching their lazy eye, in what is known as reverse patching, or reverse occlusion therapy.  

In this study, we are interested in investigating the combined effect of patching and a single dose of esketamine on visual function in normally sighted people. Esketamine is an anti-depressant drug, thought to act via mechanisms which increase neuroplasticity: the brain’s ability to change in response to interaction with the environment. We are also interested in investigating the changes in the visual area of the brain that accompany patching with esketamine. To do this, we will use a safe, non-invasive brain scanning technique called Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).  

Who are we?

Hello! Our names are Betina, Ellen, Emilia, Holly, and Beata. We are a team of scientists and clinicians at the University of Oxford, and we are running the OPTIK study. We are currently recruiting adults to take part in our brain imaging study. Please get in touch with the study team for more information: optik.study@ndcn.ox.ac.uk 

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for healthy 18-50-year-old adults who are fluent in English, and willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.  

You will not be eligible for the study if you:   

  • Are taking any regular prescribed medications, apart from the contraceptive pill  

  • Have used esketamine or similar drugs (e.g. ketamine) and been allergic to them  

  • Have ever taken ketamine or phencyclidine (PCP), including recreationally 

  • Have an alcohol or substance use disorder, or have used any recreational drug over the last 3 months 

  • Smoke over 20 cigarettes per day  

  • Have ever had significant problems with your brain (e.g., epilepsy, migraine), heart, lungs, kidneys and urinary tract, liver, or thyroid  

  • Have ever been diagnosed with acute porphyria 

  • Have ever suffered from or have a family history (parents or siblings) of significant mental health disorder such as psychosis or mania. This does not include any mental health problem that was treated with brief psychological intervention.   

  • Have ever suffered from an eye disorder (NOTE: this does NOT include refractive error that can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses) 

  • Are pregnant, breast feeding, planning to conceive in the next 3 months or a woman of child-bearing potential not using adequate contraception  

  • Have any contraindication to entering the brain scanner, including any metallic implants or other devices in your body 

  • Have abnormal binocular vision 

What does participation involve?

 Pre-screening  

  • Participants will have a 45-minute screening call on Microsoft teams or over the phone to assess their eligibility for the study. This will involve questions on physical and mental health medical history.  

  • During the call, we will describe the research, go through the procedures, and give you a chance to ask any questions you may have.   

Study visits  

  • Participants will be involved in two visits that will last 3-5 hours.  

  • These visits will involve:  

    • Vision tests 
    • An MRI scan – a safe and non-invasive brain scan, while watching a film  
      • You will have one eye patched for the duration of the scan  
    • Questionnaires  
  • On one of the visits, you will receive a dose of esketamine. On the other visit, you will receive a placebo.  

Where do optik visits take place?

All visits will take place at the John Radcliffe Site, in Headington, Oxford 

Will I Be Reimbursed?

Your time and travel expenses will be reimbursed.  

Contact Us

If you have any questions, or would like more information, then please get in touch with the study team: optik.study@ndcn.ox.ac.uk  

We would love to hear from you!  

Ethics Approval Reference: MS IDREC 2201176

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