NCT04225611 · Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Therapeutic Contact Lens Drug Delivery System (TCL-DDS) in Patients With Recurrent Cystoid Macular Edema
(ContactLens)
What this study is about
The main aim of the pilot study is to determine preliminary estimates of the safety, tolerability, and comfort of a dexamethasone-eluting therapeutic contact lens drug delivery system (TCL-DDS) for the treatment of recurrent cystoid macular edema. Secondarily, feasibility of the TCL-DDS system will be investigated. 1.
View original scientific description
The main aim of the pilot study is to determine preliminary estimates of the safety, tolerability, and comfort of a dexamethasone-eluting therapeutic contact lens drug delivery system (TCL-DDS) for the treatment of recurrent cystoid macular edema. Secondarily, feasibility of the TCL-DDS system will be investigated. 1. Safety: To establish that a topical dexamethasone delivery system has an acceptable safety profile by determining the incidence and severity of ocular adverse events, as identified by eye examination through day 28 following treatment initiation. 2. Comfort and tolerability: to establish the subject tolerability and comfort of the TCL-DDS. 3. Feasibility: To establish- that a topical dexamethasone delivery system is a feasible treatment for recurrent cystoid macular edema.
Interventions
DRUG
Dexamethasone
The investigators have developed a topically-applied corticosteroid-delivery system that has the potential to treat recurrent cystoid macular edema with fewer risks to patient, and more dose control. The system is comprised of a drug-polymer film that is completely encapsulated within the periphery of a hydrogel that is commonly used to make contact lenses.
Primary outcome measures
Occurrence of Contact Lens Related Ocular Infection
Time frame: 28 Days
Number of ocular infection incidents for the duration of the study
Occurrence of Corneal epithelial Defect
Time frame: 28 Days
Number of corneal epithelial defects incidents for the duration of the study
Occurrence of ocular hypertension greater than 28
Time frame: 28 Days
Number of ocular hypertension incidents for the duration of the study (ocular hypertension greater than 28)
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adults between the ages of 18 and 85 Willingness to participate in the study and provide informed consent For Phase A, patients who only respond to anti-inflammatory drops (not at the intravitreal steroid injection phase of care yet). For Phase B, patients who only respond to steroid intravitreal injections (anti-inflammatory drops are no longer therapeutically working for these patients). Corneal thickness between 480 and 620 µm in the study eye by anterior segment OCT. Diagnosis of cystoid macular edema in the study eye defined as macular edema involving the center of the macula (fovea) with one or more of the following OCT characteristics: retinal cysts, retinal thickening, and/ or subretinal fluid. Visual acuity between 20/400 and 20/25 in the study eye, measured by pinhole VA. Retinal thickness above 300 µm as measured by OCT in the 1mm central macular subfield of the study eye at screening as determined by the investigator History of positive response to topical or intraocular steroid treatment defined as 50 µm thinning in response to steroid treatment in the study eye within 1 year Recurrence of cystoid macular edema in the study eye Patients who have received intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in the study eye must satisfy the following: The most recent dose was at least 8 weeks prior to screening No treatment-related adverse event was seen that, in the opinion of the investigator, has the potential to worsen or reoccur with study treatment. Female patients of childbearing potential must have a negative urine pregnancy test at the enrollment (day 0) visit (repeat at day 0 if greater than 14 days past Screening Visit) Aphakia or pseudophakia in the study eye
Exclusion criteria
- Systemic Renal failure requiring hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis within 6 months prior to screening Use of systemic steroids (e.g., oral, intravenous, intra-articular, epidural, intrabursal, inhaled, or intranasal) within 1 month prior to the qualification/baseline visit or anticipated use at any time during the study Use of oral carbonic anhydrase inhibitor within 1 month of screening Use of immunosuppressants, immunomodulators, antimetabolites and/or alkylating agents within 6 months prior to screening or anticipated use at any time during the study Known allergy or hypersensitivity to the study medication or its components Medical history positive for HIV Any condition (including inability to read visual acuity charts or language barrier) which precludes patient's ability to comply with study requirements including completion of the study Female patients who are pregnant, nursing, or planning a pregnancy, or who are of childbearing potential and not using a reliable means of contraception Participation in an investigational drug or device study within the 30 days prior to screening Patient has a condition or is in a situation which, in the Investigator's opinion, may put the patient at significant risk, may confound the study results, or may interfere significantly with the patient's participation in the study Both Eyes Contraindication to pupil dilation in either eye Any active ocular infection (i.e., bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal) in either eye at screening History of central serous chorioretinopathy in either eye History of IOP elevation in response to steroid treatment in either eye that resulted in any of the following: ≥ 10 mm Hg increase in IOP from screening visit with an absolute IOP ≥ 25 mm Hg required therapy with 3 or more anti-glaucoma medications History of failure to respond positively to a periocular or intravitreal steroid injection in either eye. Study Eye \[This exclusion has been removed.\] Any ocular condition in the study eye that in the opinion of the investigator would prevent a 15-letter improvement in visual acuity (e.g., fibrosis, retinal atrophy, severe macular ischemia, extensive macular laser scarring or atrophy) Any ocular condition in the study eye that in the opinion of the investigator would prevent the eye from wearing a contact lens (e.g., ectropion, lid abnormality, or symblepharon) Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory eye drops (NSAID) or steroid drops within 1 month prior to screening Presence of any other condition in the study eye severe enough to prevent improvement in visual acuity despite reduction in macular edema History of advanced glaucoma / optic nerve head change consistent with glaucoma damage, and/or advanced glaucomatous visual field loss in the study eye Ocular hypertension in the study eye at screening visit determined by the following: IOP \> 25 mm Hg if taking no anti-glaucoma medications Active optic disc or retinal neovascularization in the study eye at screening Active or history of choroidal neovascularization in the study eye Presence of rubeosis iridis in the study eye at screening History of herpetic infection in the study eye or adnexa Media opacity in the study eye at screening that precludes clinical and photographic evaluation (including but not limited to preretinal or vitreous hemorrhage, lens opacity) Intraocular surgery, including cataract surgery, and/or laser of any type in the study eye within 30 days prior to screening History of pars plana vitrectomy in the study eye within 3 months prior to screening History of use of intravitreal bevacizumab, ranibizumab or pegaptanib in the study eye within 3 months prior to screening Treated with intravitreal injections of dexamethasone implant 0.7 mg (Ozurdex®) within 6 months of screening History of use of any intravitreal agent in the study eye other than corticosteroid, bevacizumab, ranibizumab, or pegaptanib, or intravitreal doses of triamcinolone acetonide \> 4mg, bevacizumab \> 1.25 mg, ranibizumab \> 0.5 mg, or pegaptanib \> 0.3 mg within 3 months prior to screening. Except at the time of surgery, any periocular depot of steroids to the study eye within 3 months prior to screening Inability to comfortably wear a commercial contact lens (Kontur) that has the same dimensions as the TCL-DDS during a 1 hour run-in period Presence of guttae or descemet's folds in the study eye. Corneal neovascularization with presence of blood vessels 2 mm into the cornea. Non-study Eye Pinhole score \<19 letters in the non-study eye at screening visit.
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
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Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
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Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
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Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Nov 26, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations