Oxymetazoline Drops for Acquired Blepharoptosis From Synkinesis

Launched by MILTON S. HERSHEY MEDICAL CENTER · Jul 6, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study is testing whether oxymetazoline 0.1% eye drops can help lift the upper eyelid (improve blepharoptosis) in people who have drooping eyelids after facial nerve paralysis due to abnormal nerve regeneration (synkinesis and hyperkinesis). It uses a blinded, crossover design, meaning each participant will experience several treatment periods and compare oxymetazoline drops to a placebo lubricant drop, and may also involve botulinum toxin in some treatment periods. Researchers will look at how well the eyelid sits, how people feel their eye and face function, and overall quality of life over about 6 months.

Who can join: adults 18 to 99 years old with a primary diagnosis of nonflaccid facial paralysis with acquired blepharoptosis (drooping eyelid due to synkinesis/hyperkinesis). Exclusions include people under 18, those taking certain drugs (cardiac glycosides or MAO inhibitors), people with angle-closure glaucoma, or those with asymmetrical eye opening from lagophthalmos. If eligible, you’ll use the drops once daily in the affected eye (single-use vials). The study is at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA, is currently enrolling by invitation, and aims to finish primary data collection around 2025 with study completion expected in 2026.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Over 18 years of age
• • 2. Primary diagnosis of nonflaccid facial paralysis (aberrant regeneration syndrome) and acquired blepharoptosis.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patients under the age of 18
• • 2. Patients on cardiac glycosides
• • 3. Patients on MAO inhibitors
• • 4. Patients with angle closure glaucoma
• • 5. Patients who experience asymmetrical eye opening due to weakness (e.g. lagophthalmos).