Femtosecond Laser-assisted Corneal Debridement for Herpes Simplex Keratitis
China100 participantsStarted 2017-07-20
Plain-language summary
The purpose of the study is to learn if adding femtosecond laser-assisted corneal debridement to a standard therapy of oral ganciclovir can help shorten the healing time of herpes simplex epithelial keratitis (HSK).
Who can participate
Age range
18 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
. Aged between 18 and 80 years old;
. Epithelial ulceration in a dendritic or geographic pattern, characteristic of infection with herpes simplex virus, and within 7 days of onset;
. Ulcer's stromal involvement \< 120 micron, as indicated by anterior segment optical coherence tomography;
. Informed consent signed by patient or legal guardian. Having the ability to comply with study assessments for the full duration of the study.
Exclusion criteria
. Clinical signs of a cause other than herpes simplex virus for the epithelial keratitis;
. Antivirus or corticosteroid treatment within 6 months;
. Active stromal keratitis or iritis;
. History of allergy or adverse reaction to ganciclovir;
. High myopia with a spherical equivalent of -15.0 D or less;
. Corneal or ocular surface infection within 30 days prior to study entry;
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.