fMRI and IVCM Cornea Microscopy of CXL in Keratoconus

Launched by BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · Jun 17, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how pain pathways in the brain and the healing of nerve fibers in the eye respond after a treatment called corneal crosslinking (CXL) in patients with keratoconus, a condition that affects the shape of the cornea (the clear front part of the eye). Researchers will use advanced imaging techniques, including fMRI (a type of brain scan) and In Vivo Confocal Microscopy (a special eye imaging method), to observe these changes. The trial is currently recruiting participants aged 8 to 35, including those with keratoconus who are planning to receive CXL treatment and a control group of individuals without keratoconus.

To participate, you should be able to lie still for about an hour during the MRI scan and be comfortable with English, potentially with help from a parent or guardian. Certain conditions, such as claustrophobia or significant medical issues, may prevent you from joining the study. If you decide to participate, you’ll help researchers understand more about how CXL affects pain and nerve healing, which could lead to better treatments for people with keratoconus.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • CXL Group
• • Age 8-35 years
• • Clinical diagnosis of keratoconus and seeking CXL treatment
• • English speaking ability sufficient to comprehend consent with parental assistance
• • MRI compatible
• • Ability to lie still for an MRI session (60 minutes)
• • Control Group
• • Age 8-35 years
• • No diagnosis of keratoconus
• • English speaking ability sufficient to comprehend consent with parental assistance
• • MRI compatible
• • Ability to lie still for an MRI session (60 minutes)
• Exclusion Criteria (Both Groups):
• • Claustrophobic
• • Weight \> 285 lbs (weight limit of the MRI table)
• * Significant medical history, including:
• • Current DSM-IV-TR axis I psychiatric disorders. Chronic pain Significant head injury Seizures Brain tumor Cerebrovascular accident Neurological disease aside from migraine HIV-AIDs Prescription medication strongly implicated in causing dry eyes
• • Magnetic implants or metal-containing tattoos on their chest or above
• • Pregnancy
• • History of contact lens wear
• • Any allergic response to a numbing eyedrop in the past