UnknownPhase 3

Herpetic Eye Disease Study (HEDS) I

Started 1989-05

Plain-language summary

To evaluate the efficacy of topical corticosteroids in treating herpes simplex stromal keratitis in conjunction with topical trifluridine. To evaluate the efficacy of oral acyclovir in treating herpes simplex stromal keratitis in patients receiving concomitant topical corticosteroids and trifluridine. To evaluate the efficacy of oral acyclovir in treating herpes simplex iridocyclitis in conjunction with treatment with topical corticosteroids and trifluridine.

Who can participate

Age range

12 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Eligibility criteria common to the three protocols included age 12 years or older, no active HSV epithelial keratitis, no prior keratoplasty of the involved eye, and not pregnant. Protocol-specific criteria are noted in the description above.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00000138

SponsorNational Eye Institute (NEI)

Sponsor typeNIH

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Keratitis, Herpetic trials