CompletedPhase 3

Submacular Surgery Trials (SST)

Started 1999-01

Plain-language summary

To determine whether surgical removal of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and associated hemorrhage in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (OHS), or idiopathic CNV stabilizes or improves vision more often than observation. To determine how surgical removal compared to observation of subfoveal CNV due to AMD, OHS, or idiopathic causes changes the patient's perception of health- and vision-related "quality of life," as measured by telephone interview using the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36 (MOS SF-36) instrument, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25). To determine whether randomized trials of surgery are warranted for patients with subfoveal CNV associated with age-related macular degeneration not suitable for laser treatment.

Who can participate

Age range

18 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.

Group B: Patients with evidence of large hemorrhages from subfoveal neovascular AMD lesions, visual acuity (SST protocol) of 20/100 to light perception, with the area of hemorrhage larger than the area of fluorescein angiographically visible CNV, with any visible CNV less than or equal to 9 MPS disc areas, and ability to return for 4 years of follow-up may be eligible for the Group B (Blood) protocol. Group N: Patients with new CNV (no prior laser) due to AMD, visual acuity (SST protocol) of 20/100 to 20/800, fluorescein angiographic evidence of subfoveal CNV lesion which is less than or equal to 9 MPS disc areas, and ability to return for 4 years of follow-up may be eligible for the Group N (New CNV) protocol. Group H: Patients with evidence of CNV due to OHS or idiopathic cause, visual acuity (SST protocol) 20/50 to 20/800, fluorescein angiographic evidence of subfoveal CNV lesion (new or recurrent) which is \< 9 MPS disc areas, and ability to return for 4 years of follow-up may be eligible for inclusion in the Group H (Histoplasmosis/Idiopathic CNV) protocol. Exclusion criteria include other ocular diseases compromising vision, history of submacular surgery in the study eye, history of subfoveal laser photocoagulation that extends under the foveal avascular zone, recent intraocular surgery, or previous investigational therapy for CNV.

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 IDNCT00000150

SponsorNational Eye Institute (NEI)

Sponsor typeNIH

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Macular Degeneration trials