Clinical Research Directory

OCT Vibrography for Biomechanical Properties of Tissues

The overall goal of this study is to develop OCT Vibrography (aka OCT elastography) as a novel tool for measuring biomechanical properties of human tissues in vivo.

Safety of Topical Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Secretome for Ocular Surface Disease

This study is a longitudinal assessment using a classic dose-escalation study design to assess the safety and maximal tolerated dose (MTD) of topical MSC Secretome eye drops. The study will be conducted at Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary located at University of Illinois at Chicago. The study will use anterior segment Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)/Scheimpflug Imaging, esthesiometry, and visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess treatment tolerability.

Accuracy of Corneal Astigmatism in Different Region Modes

To analyze the difference between measured total corneal astigmatism and actual corneal astigmatism under different region modes and optimize the region setting.

Corneal Topography and High Order Aberrations in Regular Contraceptive Pills

Effect of regular usage of contraceptive pills on corneal topography and corneal high-order aberrations

Impact of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists on Dry Eye Disease in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity

Diabetes mellitus (DM), prediabetes, and obesity are emerging as major global public health problems, with their epidemic spread continuously increasing over the past decades. The occurrence of diabetic retinopathy, cataract, glaucoma, and ocular surface disease in patients with diabetes mellitus has been extensively investigated in several studies. However, mild ocular surface disorders, such as dry eye disease, have often been overlooked, with a previous study showing that 51.3% of diabetes-related dry eye disease cases remained underdiagnosed. Among systemic diseases, diabetes mellitus and obesity have been associated with an increased risk of developing dry eye disease. Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes leads to microvascular damage, including corneal neuropathy and reduced tear production, conditions that can disrupt ocular surface health, while systemic inflammation and meibomian gland dysfunction also contribute to this process. However, the effect of newer classes of antidiabetic medications, including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), on ocular surface health remains insufficiently understood. The aim of this prospective cohort study is to evaluate the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on dry eye disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity through the assessment of ocular surface parameters, such as tear film break-up time, Schirmer test results, as well as potential changes in corneal topography.

Acute Ocular Effects of Cigarette Smoking

This prospective study aims to evaluate the short-term effects of smoking on corneal tomographic and biometric measurements in healthy adults. After baseline examinations and measurements are taken in both smoking and non-smoking participants, the same measurements will be repeated after 10 minutes of external exposure, and within-group and between-group changes will be compared. The aim of the study is to determine whether acute smoking exposure leads to measurable immediate changes in corneal tomographic and biometric parameters.

fMRI and IVCM Cornea Microscopy of CXL in Keratoconus

Evaluation of neuroplasticity of pain pathways and corneal afferent nerve regeneration following corneal crosslinking (CXL) in keratoconus patients using fMRI and corneal In Vivo Confocal Microscopy (IVCM).

INTACS for Non Ectatic With High Cylinder

Intra-corneal rings implantation for correcting high cylinder errors in non ectatic corneas

Comparison of Oral Isotretinoin vs Ancomparison of Oral Isotretinoin vs Antibiotics on Corneal Thickness With AV

Comparison of Oral Isotretinoin versus comparison of Oral Isotretinoin versus Antibiotics on Corneal Thickness in Patients with Acne Vulgaris

Euclid Phoenix Lens Design Trial 2

Lens wettability and subjective comfort of Euclid orthokeratology lenses with and without an enhanced coating will be compared in 50 children. Axial elongation will be monitored in pediatric patients who qualify and consent.

Euclid Phoenix Lens Design Trial

The "first fit" success rate of the current Euclid orthokeratology "MAX" lens design will be compared to that of the new Euclid orthokeratology MAX "Phoenix" lens design in 30 children.