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Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences Research

Clinical Trials

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:

Contact Lens – Genetics Research Study

Genetic Susceptibility to Contact Lens Related Microbial Keratitis

Purpose of Study: To determine if there are genetic differences between contact lens wearers that get bacterial corneal infections and those that do not.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

Controls

  • Healthy contact lens wearers (using contacts for at least 5 years)
  • Ages 15-70 years
  • European ancestry (Caucasian)
  • No history of a corneal ulcer from contact lenses

Cases

  • Contact lens wearers who have had an infection in the cornea (infection related to contact lens wear)
  • Ages 15-70 years at the time of infection
  • European ancestry (Caucasian)
  • Must be willing to provide blood sample or saliva sample

How to contact us:
PI: Loretta Szczotka-Flynn, OD, Ph.D.
Study Coordinator: Sangeetha Raghupathy | 216-844-8552

Post Corneal Transplant - Scleral Lens Wear Study

Purpose of the Study: To learn about the association between endothelial corneal cells (the back layer of cells on the cornea, the front clear tissue on the eye, specifically the part that was transplanted) and corneal swelling that happens naturally when eyes are closed or while wearing contact lenses.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

  • Had a corneal transplant at least five years ago
  • May or may not wear contact lenses to correct vision

How to contact us:
PI: Loretta Szczotka-Flynn, OD, Ph.D.
Study Coordinator: Sangeetha Raghupathy | 216-844-8552

Herpes Zoster study

Zoster Eye Disease Study (ZEDS)

Purpose of the Study: To determine if there are genetic differences between contact lens wearers that get bacterial corneal infections and those that do not.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

  • Rash from shingles over eye
  • Certain types of eye disease from shingles affecting the cornea within the past year
  • Age 18 years or older

How to contact us:
PI: Jonathan Lass, MD
Study Coordinator: Sangeetha Raghupathy | 216-844-8552

Keratoconus Study

Genetic Factors in Keratoconus study

Purpose of Study: To collect information from research patients so that researchers can find genetic risk factors that may lead to Keratoconus.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

Diagnosis of Keratoconus

How to contact us:
PI: Loretta Szczotka-Flynn, OD, Ph.D.
Study Coordinator: Sangeetha Raghupathy | 216-844-8552

Retina Studies

Protocol AC – Aflibercept vs. Bevacizumab with deferred Aflibercept for Diabetic Macular Edema

Purpose of Study: To find out if starting with Eylea has better results than starting with the less expensive drug, Avastin, and only switching to Eylea if needed in patients who have diabetic macular edema.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

Diagnosis of Diabetic Macular Edema

How to contact us:
PI: Shree Kurup, MD
Study Contact: Leslie Richards | 216-844-7934

Protocol AG – Randomized Clinical Trial Assessing the Effects of Pneumatic Vitreolysis on Vitreomacular Traction (VMT)

Purpose of Study: Current treatments for VMT include surgery to remove the vitreous (“vitrectomy”) which will relieve the traction, an injection of ocriplasmin (Jetrea®), or waiting to see if the VMT resolves on its own. The purpose of this study is to find out if another treatment using injection of a gas bubble into the eye results in release of VMT more often than observation.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

Diagnosis of Vitreomacular traction (VMT)

How to contact us:
PI: Shree Kurup, MD
Study Contact: Leslie Richards | 216-844-7934

Protocol AH – Single-Arm Study Assessing the Effects of Pneumatic Vitreolysis on Macular Hole

Purpose of Study: To find out if another treatment (using injection of a gas bubble into the eye) results in release of Vitreomacular Traction (VMT) and healing of macular holes.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

Diagnosis of Vitreomacular Traction (VMT) and macular hole

How to contact us:
PI: Shree Kurup, MD
Study Contact: Leslie Richards | 216-844-7934

Glaucoma Studies

Neighborhood Consortium for Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Genomics (Neighborhood Study)

Purpose of Study: To look for the genetic factors of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG).

Basic Eligibility Criteria

Diagnosis of Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG).

How to contact us:
PI: Douglas Rhee, MD
Study Contact: Leslie Richards | 216-844-7934

Pediatric Studies

An Observational, Multicenter Study of the Prevalence of Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis (CTX) in Patient Populations Diagnosed with Early Onset Idiopathic Bilateral Cataracts (CTX Study)

Purpose of Study: To help doctors find and diagnose patients with CTX earlier.

Basic Eligibility Criteria

Diagnosis of early idiopathic (unknown cause) bilateral (both eyes) cataracts (clouding of the eye’s natural lens).

How to contact us:
PI: Faruk Orge, MD
Study Contact: Leslie Richards 216-844-7934

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