UnknownPhase 3

Treating Dry Eyes and Corneal Ulcers With Fingerprick Autologous Blood

United Kingdom60 participantsStarted 2014-04

Plain-language summary

To investigate if fresh finger prick autologous blood (FAB) instead of serum from venesection, is a safe and effective treatment for dry eyes and corneal ulcers/ epithelial defects. Currently there are no studies on the use of whole fresh blood for the treatment of chronic ulcers, persistent epithelial defects or dry eyes. Unpublished case reports indicate that fresh blood can be an effective tool to the treatment of corneal pathology.

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

. Satisfy at least one of the following criteria:
. All patients must have unsuccessfully tried cyclosporine ointment or eye drops and temporary or permanent plugs or been offered punctual plugs and refused.

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

Corneal ulcers / epithelial defects: Ulcers to heal within 4 weeks. Dry eyes: To improve signs (corneal and conjunctival staining, Schirmer's test, tear break up time ) or symptoms ( ocular comfort index questionnaire)

Timeframe: One month for corneal ulcers. Dry eyes 2 months.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02153515

SponsorBedford Hospital NHS Trust

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2017-08

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Dry Eyes trials