Assessment of the Ocular Microbiome in Health and Disease

Launched by VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · Jun 7, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Assessment of the Ocular Microbiome in Health and Disease," is studying the tiny organisms that live on the surface of our eyes, known as the ocular microbiome. The researchers want to understand how these microorganisms might affect eye health and contribute to various eye diseases. They will be looking at different groups of adults, some with healthy eyes and others with specific eye conditions like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.

To participate, individuals need to be at least 18 years old and able to provide consent. The trial is open to both men and women, and it includes people with healthy eyes as well as those with mild, well-controlled glaucoma, certain types of age-related macular degeneration, and other non-infectious eye conditions. Participants will be followed over time to see how their ocular microbiome changes and how it might relate to their eye health. Those with a history of more serious eye diseases or certain health conditions will not be eligible. Overall, this study aims to shed light on how the balance of microorganisms on our eyes might play a role in keeping them healthy or contributing to disease.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• We will include subjects who meet all of the following criteria:
• • 18 years of age or older
• • Provide informed consent
• • Cohort A - normal eyes with no ocular disease
• • Cohort B - primary open angle glaucoma/Ocular hypertension defined as mild glaucoma which is well controlled with no more than one drop of prostaglandin use daily for the past 6 months
• • Cohort C - non-infectious keratopathy not using any prescription medication (OTC artificial tears are acceptable)
• • Cohort D - Dry AMD (age related macular degeneration)
• • Cohort E - Wet AMD
• • Cohort F - diabetic retinopathy
• Exclusion Criteria:
• We will exclude subjects who meet all of the following criteria:
• • Prior ocular disease either of the anterior or posterior segment
• • Any medical comorbidities except well controlled DH and HTN
• • Unable to follow up with study procedures as described