CompletedNot Applicable

Ultrahigh-resolution Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging of the Anterior Eye Segment Structures

Austria14 participantsStarted 2017-07-12

Plain-language summary

The development of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and its application for in vivo imaging has opened entirely new opportunities in ophthalmology. The technology allows for both noninvasive visualization of the morphology and measurement of functional parameters within ocular tissues to a depth of a few millimetres even in nontransparent media. Until now the resolution of commercially available OCT systems is, however, much lower than that provided by light microscopy. Recently, an ultrahigh-resolution OCT system was developed by our group providing resolutions of 1.7 and 17 µm in axial and lateral direction, respectively. This axial resolution is about four times better than that provided by standard OCT systems. It allows to perform in vivo imaging with a resolution close to biopsy of tissue and to visualize structures of the anterior eye segment with a remarkable richness of detail. The prototype was applied for in vivo imaging of the cornea including the precorneal tear film. The goal of the planned pilot study is to apply this innovative imaging modality for visualization of the ultrastructure of the different parts of the anterior eye segment structures in diseased subjects, as well as in patients who underwent minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS). The obtained in vivo cross sectional images and three-dimensional data sets are hoped for contributing to the knowledge about the anatomy and physiology of the corresponding tissues. This could allow for a better interpretation of clinical features and findings obtained in slit lamp examination.

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: * For patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD): MGD as evidenced by clinical features and gland expression (MGD Grading Scheme, Appendix I (Opitz, Harthan et al. 2015)) * For cataract patients: Cataract as evidenced from slit lamp examination, stage range between NII-NIII, CII-CIV, PII-PIII according to The Lens Opacity Classification System II (LOCS II) (Chylack, Leske et al. 1989) (Appendix II) * For patients after minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS): Patients with history of MIGS secondary to glaucoma * For patients with demodicosis: Demodicosis as evidenced from slit lamp examination and presence of Demodex confirmed by microscopic examination of the eye lashes (Liu, Sheha et al. 2010) * For patients with conjunctival pathologies (cyst, naevus, pterygium): Conjunctival pathologies with a clinical diagnosis of the respective * For patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis: Acanthamoeba keratitis as evidenced from slit lamp examination and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of corneal epithelial and tear samples and culture isolation (Lehmann, Green et al. 1998) * For aniridia patients: Anirida as evidenced from slit lamp examination Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of any abnormalities preventing reliable measurements as judged by the investigator * Pregnancy, planned pregnancy or lactating

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

Measurement of corneal layers in ultrahigh-resolution OCT

Timeframe: 60 minutes

Trial details

NCT IDNCT03461978

SponsorMedical University of Vienna

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2023-06-16

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Meibomian Gland Dysfunction trials