Photographic Imaging of the Retina and Optic Nerve Head of Glaucoma Patients and Normal Controls (NCT00430274) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Photographic Imaging of the Retina and Optic Nerve Head of Glaucoma Patients and Normal Controls
Switzerland120 participantsStarted 2006-01
Plain-language summary
Retinal structures are difficult to visualize because the retina is optically transparent. In glaucoma, the microglia in the retina becomes activated in eyes with glaucomatous damage. The microglia forms a dense meshwork which resembles gliosis-like alterations, which may increase light scattering. With appropriate technology, increased reflection and light scattering from the retina may be detected in eyes of glaucoma patients.
In this study, we investigate whether clinically observable retinal gliosis-like alterations occur more often in patients with glaucoma than in non-glaucomatous controls, and whether gliosis-like alterations are associated with a vasospastic propensity.
Who can participate
Age range
45 Years – 80 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.
Inclusion Criteria:
For NTG patients :
* untreated intraocular pressure equal to or less than 21mmHg or
* median intraocular pressure equal to or less than 20mmHg
For HTG patients:
* mean untreated intraocular pressure more than 21mmHg
For both:
* open drainage angles on gonioscopy
* typical optic disc damage with glaucomatous cupping and thinning of neuroretinal rim
* absence of any secondary cause for a glaucomatous optic neuropathy
* visual field defects congruent to glaucomatous disc damage (disc/field correlation)
Healthy subjects:
* no history of ocular diseases
* no current topical medication
* no drug or alcohol abuse
* best corrected visual acuity above 20/25 in both eyes
* no pathological findings upon a slit-lamp examination and fundoscopy
* IOP \< 21 mmHg in both eyes
Exclusion Criteria:
For NTG and HTG patients:
* any other form of retinal or neuroophthalmological disease that could cause gliosis-like retinal alterations or result in visual field defects
* history of chronic or recurrent severe inflammatory eye disease
* history of ocular trauma or intraocular surgery
* history of infection or inflammation within the past 3 months
* history and clinical evidence for other retinal disease
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.