Progressive Keratoconus or Ectasia Treatment Plan (NCT01384773) | Clinical Trial Compass
NO_LONGER_AVAILABLENot Applicable
Progressive Keratoconus or Ectasia Treatment Plan
United States
Plain-language summary
Keratoconus and pellucid marginal degenerations are genetically based ocular conditions and post surgical ectasia is an iatrogenic condition. These diseases are characterized by weakening of the front part of the eye that causes thinning and distortion. This distortion results in unevenness of the cornea and produces progressive near-sightedness and irregularity, which causes loss of vision when using eyeglasses. When eyeglasses fail to give enough vision, the the investigators use rigid contact lenses to create an artificial front eye surface. This improves visual acuity in many patients although they eventually fail either because they cannot be tolerated or the surface irregularity has become so severe that they are rejected. At this stage there is usually thinning and loss of clarity of the eye.
There has been no treatment for this other than corneal transplantation, a complex surgical procedure with a significant complication rate and a delay in visual recovery. The treatment the investigators wish to perform strengthens the front of the eye by a chemical reaction using light and riboflavin. This technique has been studied over a decade and is widely used throughout the world. The FDA approved multicenter American clinical study is being analyzed in anticipation of its submission to the FDA for PreMarket approval. Because this is a progressive condition, the investigators wish to be able to offer this on a limited basis to patients in need with vision loss.
Any treatment that can delay or prevent corneal transplantation is of great benefit. The investigators believe the evidence is compelling that this treatment is the sole alternative to surgical transplantation.
Who can participate
Age range
16 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
. 16 years of age or older
. Having a diagnosis of keratoconus with one or more of the following changes over a period of 24 months or less.
. An increase of \> 1.00 D in the steepest keratometry value (or sim K)
. An increase of \> 1.00 D in regular astigmatism evaluated by subjective manifest refraction
. A myopic shift (decrease in the spherical equivalent) of \> 0.50 D on subjective manifest refraction
. Documented decrease in visual acuity associated with irregular astigmatism and topographic features of ectasia.
. Presence of central or inferior steepening on the Pentacam map.
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.