Study of Corneal Biomechanics in Glaucoma Patients Using Brillouin Microscopy
Recruiting · NCT06993597 · Observational (researchers observe without assigning treatment)
View the official record on ClinicalTrials.gov →Interventions studied
What this trial is about
This pilot study evaluates the biomechanical properties of the cornea in glaucoma patients using Brillouin microscopy, a non-contact imaging technique. The study aims to compare corneal stiffness between patients with normal-tension glaucoma, high-tension glaucoma, and healthy controls, and to assess changes in corneal biomechanics following intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering treatment. The goal is to determine whether Brillouin-derived biomechanical measurements can serve as biomarkers for glaucoma risk and progression.
Who can take part
Age range
18 Years and older
Sex
All (male and female)
Healthy volunteers
Yes - healthy volunteers may be accepted
Phase
Not specified
Study type
Observational (researchers observe without assigning treatment)
Inclusion criteria
- \- Age 18 years or older
- Diagnosis of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) or no history of glaucoma (for controls)
- pen angle on gonioscopy (Shaffer grade 3 or 4)
- Best-corrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better
- Refractive error between +3.00 and -5.00 diopters
- No prior use of topical glaucoma medications
- Diagnosis of:
- High Tension Glaucoma (IOP ≥ 22 mmHg on 3 visits)
- Normal Tension Glaucoma (IOP ≤ 21 mmHg on 3 visits)
- R age-matched control with normal optic nerve and visual fields
Exclusion criteria
- Corneal abnormalities or conditions interfering with Brillouin or applanation tonometry
- Retinal diseases affecting RNFL (e.g., macular traction)
- History of ocular surgery or laser
- Diagnosis of diabetes
- History of uveitis
- History of prolonged steroid use
- Neurodegenerative or systemic diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, schizophrenia)
- Unreliable visual fields
- Contraindications to beta blockers (e.g., bradycardia, severe pulmonary disease)
- Moderate to severe glaucoma (per Hodapp-Anderson-Parrish criteria)
- History of contact lens use
- Low blood pressure
Where it is running
1 location listed across 1 US state.
- University of Maryland School of Medicine - Baltimore, Maryland, United States