NCT07124910 · Woolfson Eye Institute
Comparison of Epi-ON Corneal Collagen Crosslinking Performed Using an 18-Minute UVA Exposure vs. a 24-Minute UVA Exposure on Eyes With Ectatic Corneal Diseases
What this study is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to study the effects of an experimental (not Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved) treatment called corneal crosslinking (CXL) for conditions in which the cornea becomes progressively thin, steep, and misshapen, causing vision to be blurred.
View original scientific description
The goal of this clinical trial is to study the effects of an experimental (not Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved) treatment called corneal crosslinking (CXL) for conditions in which the cornea becomes progressively thin, steep, and misshapen, causing vision to be blurred. CXL is performed by putting riboflavin (vitamin B2) drops onto the eye and then exposing it to ultraviolet (UVA) light at about the same intensity as you get outdoors on a bright, sunny day. It is designed to stop the progression of disease by strengthening the cornea. Study participants will be at least 8 years of age or older and have a diagnosis of keratoconus, ectasia after LASIK, ectasia after PRK, pellucid marginal degeneration, progressive ectasia after previous CXL treatment or forme fruste keratoconus. The main question it aims to answer is: * Does CXL help prevent or slow the progression of someone's corneal condition and vision loss? Participants will: * Attend up to a total of 7 in office visits over the course of 6 months, where several eye and vision tests will be given. Receive CXL (applying riboflavin (Vitamin B2 eye drops) to the eye, then exposing the eye to ultraviolet (UV-A) light). * There will be two groups of participants. One group will receive the UVA treatment for 18 minutes and the other group will receive the UVA treatment for 24 minutes.
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
- Subjects in whom both the subject and study eye meet all of the following criteria are candidates for the study:
- Be at least 8 years of age or older, male or female, of any race.
- Have a diagnosis of keratoconus, ectasia after LASIK, ectasia after PRK, pellucid marginal degeneration, progressive ectasia after previous CXL treatment or forme fruste keratoconus based on topography, tomography, and slit lamp examination.
- Provide written informed consent and a signed HIPAA form. Pediatric subjects less than 14 years of age must sign an assent, and a parent or legal guardian must sign an informed consent.
- Be willing and able to follow all instructions and comply with the schedule for follow-up visits.
- If female and capable of becoming pregnant, must not be lactating or pregnant and must agree to use a medically acceptable form of birth control for at least one week prior to the treatment visit and to continue one month following treatment.
Exclusion criteria
- Subjects in whom the subject or study eye meets one or more of the following criteria will be excluded from the randomized cohort of the study:
- Normal corneal topography.
- A history of previous corneal transplant in the study eye.
- Minimum corneal thickness \< 300 (measured by Pentacam and Ultrasound) at the screening exam.
- Previous ocular condition (other than refractive error) in the eye(s) to be treated that may predispose the eye to future complications or prevent the possibility of improved vision, for example:
- History of or active corneal disease (e.g., herpes simplex, herpes zoster keratitis, etc.)
- Clinically significant corneal scarring in the central cornea that, in the investigator's opinion, will not allow the subject to achieve functional vision, even with contact lens correction, after the crosslinking procedure.
- A known contraindication, sensitivity, or allergy to the test article or its components or to study medications.
- Nystagmus or any other condition that would prevent a steady gaze during the crosslinking treatment or other diagnostic tests.
- If female, pregnant, nursing or planning a pregnancy, or having a positive urine pregnancy test prior to the randomization of, or treatment of either eye during the course of the study.
- Inability to remove soft or scleral contact lenses at least 3 days before initial and follow-up examinations.
- Inability to remove rigid gas-permeable contact lenses at least 2 weeks before initial and follow-up examinations.
- Inability to return for required postoperative examinations.
- Presence or history or any other condition or finding that, in the investigator's opinion, makes the subject unsuitable as a candidate for crosslinking or study participation or may confound the outcome of the study.
Where
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Canton, Georgia
- Cumming, Georgia
- Douglasville, Georgia
- Lawrenceville, Georgia
- Marietta, Georgia
- Snellville, Georgia
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Johnson City, Tennessee
- Knoxville, Tennessee
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.
Is it safe to participate?
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.
Will I be compensated?
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.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
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 Feb 2, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations