TerminatedNot Applicable

Selective Retinal Pigment Epithelium Laser Therapy for Macular Disease of the Retina

Stopped: Suitable device for laser no longer available

Switzerland18 participantsStarted 2010-06

Plain-language summary

Laser photocoagulation of the retina targeting the outer layers is an established therapy for proliferative retinopathy and macular edema from diabetic microangiopathy or retinal vein occlusion, centrals serous retinopathy, and extrafoveal subretinal neovascular membranes. However, collateral damage occurs and scotomas can result when using conventional lasers with pulse duration of 100ms and more. This is particularly relevant for laser treatments of the macula where the main therapeutic effect results from stimulation of the retinal pigment epithelium cells and photoreceptor damage is thought to be an unnecessary side effect. Recent experimental research with new laser devices using much shorter pulse duration has shown that photoreceptor damage can be greatly reduced and the retinal pigment epithelium selectively targeted, hence the term selective retinal pigment epithelium laser therapy (SRT). Investigators hypothesize that SRT is equally effective as standard laser photocoagulation for macular disease but minimizes local visual field defects. In this study, patients with central serous retinopathy, macular edema from diabetic microangiopathy or branch vein occlusion, and non-exudative age-related macular degeneration will be treated with SRT. Patients will be assessed 1, 3 and 6 months after 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.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 or over * Written informed consent * Willingness to attend follow-up visits * Central serous chorioretinopathy affecting visual acuity * Macular edema from branch retinal vein occlusion * Macular edema from diabetic microangiopathy * Age-related macular degeneration with confluent soft drusen * Age-related macular degeneration with geographic atrophy Exclusion Criteria * Macular ischemia * Retinal hemorrhage impeding retinal laser treatment * Subretinal neovascular membrane * Vitreous hemorrhage * Allergy to fluorescein * Participation in other clinical trials

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.

What they're measuring

Visual Acuity according to ETDRS protocol

Timeframe: 6 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02088151

SponsorInsel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2022-02-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Macular Edema trials