Clinical Research Directory

Intraoperative Optical Coherence Tomography for Ophthalmic Surgical Guidance - Cornea

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) image data will be evaluated for image quality and used to test post-processing algorithms to improve detection sensitivity for ophthalmic diseases.

The German Keratoplasty Registry of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG)

Aim of this study is to reflect on the changing trends in absolute numbers, surgical techniques and indications of corneal transplantations being performed in Germany. The Section Cornea of the German Ophthalmological Society provides interim-assessments on a regular basis about the most up-to-date results of this long-term study.

Pretreatment to Promote Graft Survival After Subsequent High-risk Corneal Transplantation [CrossCornealVision]

The trial evaluates the effect of corneal crosslinking as pre-treatment before corneal transplantation. The goal is to improve graft survival by reducing pathological vessels through pre-treatment.

Timing of Glaucoma Drainage Device With Boston Keratoprosthesis

Boston keratoprosthesis (KPro) is a piece of specialized plastic that replace sick cornea (transparent structure at the front of the eye) in patients who have failed or those who are expected to have poor results with traditional corneal transplantation. While the Kpro can offer dramatic improvement in vision, it is also associated with several complications. Glaucoma (optic nerve damage due to high pressure inside the eye) is one of the most common complications after KPro surgery and can potentially cause irreversible vision loss. The implantation of a glaucoma drainage device (GDD), a tiny tube that drains the liquid inside the eye by bypassing the natural drainage system, is an effective option to lower the eye pressure in patients with KPro. Given the frequency and potentially devastating effects of glaucoma among KPro patients, some surgeons recommend to put in a GDD as a preventative measure. However, there is no consensus on when is the best timing to perform such surgery in relation to the Boston Kpro surgery. Hypothesis: For patients undergoing the Boston KPro surgery, implanting a GDD simultaneously, at the time of surgery, is more efficacious than at 6 months later, in the prevention of the progression of glaucoma and in maintaining better visual functions. Methods: The investigators aim to recruit 40 patients over 4 years. Recruited patients will be randomly assigned to 2 groups: 1) simultaneous GDD implantation at the Boston KPro surgery, and 2) GDD implantation 6 months after the Boston KPro surgery. Once recruited, patients will be followed before the KPro surgery, postoperative day 1, week 1, month 1, 3, 6 and 12. Standard ophthalmological exam will be performed at each visit. Additional non-invasive glaucoma tests and evaluation (visual fields and optic nerve photo) will be performed on day 1, month 1, 3, 6 and 12. For patients assigned to group 2, a GDD will be implanted 6 months after the KPro surgery. They will have additional follow-ups on post-GDD surgery day 1, week 1 and month 1. Results of visual acuity, visual fields, optic nerve evaluation and complications will be compared between the two groups to determine the better timing of GDD implantation.