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A Randomized Clinical Trial of Ex Vivo Corneal Cross-Linking of Donor Keratoplasty Tissue for Keratoconus Used for Keratoplasty in Keratoconus Patients
Sponsor: Joseph B. Ciolino, MD
Summary
This randomized clinical trial will assess corneal astigmatism and visual outcomes in participants who have undergone corneal transplantation for keratoconus with ex vivo cross-linked donor corneal tissue versus participants who have undergone corneal transplantation for keratoconus with non-cross-linked donor corneas. Crosslinking is a procedure that stabilizes the biomechanical properties of the cornea; as a result, the cornea stiffens. It has been shown that this procedure stabilizes the cornea of patients with keratoconus or corneal ectasias. The FDA currently approves crosslinking for patients with progressive keratoconus and corneal ectasia following refractive surgery. Ex vivo crosslinking of donor corneal tissue for patients with keratoconus undergoing PK or DALK could stabilize the cornea and reduce the risk of high astigmatism and improve vision in patient with keratoconus.
Official title: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Ex Vivo Corneal Cross-Linking of Donor Keratoplasty Tissue for Keratoconus
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 50 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
216
Start Date
2027-01-01
Completion Date
2028-11-30
Last Updated
2026-04-08
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Riboflavin 5'-phosphate in 20% dextran ophthalmic solution) 0.146% with UV light
A wavelength of 365 nm ultraviolet A light will be used to direct 5.4 J/cm2 using a beam diameter of 9.5mm to treat the de-epithelialized corneal surface of a donor cornea for 30 minutes. Every 2 minutes, the UV light will be used while another drop of riboflavin is applied on top of the donor cornea.
Riboflavin 5'-phosphate in 20% dextran ophthalmic solution) 0.146% without UV light
The corneal tissue for the control arm will be treated the same as the crosslinked tissue except that it will not be exposed to ultraviolet light. The donor cornea will be placed on an artificial anterior chamber maintainer and the epithelium will be removed mechanically. Riboflavin solution (0.1% riboflavin and 20% dextran supplied in a sterile, single-dose container) will be applied to the cornea every 2 minutes for 30 minutes.
Locations (1)
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Boston, Massachusetts, United States