The Vision Research Coordinating Center (VRCC) is a joint collaboration between the UH Eye Institute and the CWRU Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. The center was established in 2004 to coordinate all ophthalmic clinical trials contracted through UH or CWRU. Descriptions of some of the current clinical trials are listed below, categorized by area:
Cornea
Fuchs Endothelial Cornea Dystrophy (FECD) occurs when the endothelium, the back cell layer of the cornea, begins to deteriorate. As a result, the endothelium’s function—to keep the cornea clear and prevent it from swelling—is hampered to the point that patients eventually develop a sensation of having a foreign element in the eye, with an eventual decrease in vision. This study, headquartered at UH Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University, is designed to collect data from FECD patients and their family members so that researchers can further explore the genetic causes of the disease. At least 500 families will be examined and approximately 2,000 people screened to determine the degree to which FECD is present.
For more information on cornea clinical trials, please call 216-844-7307.
Retina
DRCR.net Protocol Q: An observational study of diabetic patients after cataract surgery, to determine the extent of macular edema (swelling of the back of the eye) found after the surgery.
For more information on retina clinical trials, please call 216-844-7408.
Contact Lens
Researchers are trying to identify risk factors for developing eye infections and inflammations associated with daily wear soft contact lenses (contacts that are worn during the day only). The results of this study will help us to understand the factors that may cause inflammation during contact lens wear.
For more information on contact lens clinical trials, please call 216-844-8552.
Pediatric Ophthalmology
Intermittent Exotropia is the medical term used for eye misalignment.
Researchers are investigating the best treatment for this common eye disorder in children. Currently, we are participating in two national studies for the treatment of Intermittent Exotropia in children ages 3-11 years old. One study involves investigating the effectiveness of patching an eye as treatment. The second study is for children who require surgery to correct eye misalignment.