Metagenomics for Ocular Inflammation

Launched by MOORFIELDS EYE HOSPITAL NHS FOUNDATION TRUST · May 7, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Metagenomics for Ocular Inflammation," is exploring a new way to find out if infections are causing eye inflammation, a condition known as uveitis. Many patients with this condition often don’t have a clear cause for their symptoms, despite undergoing standard tests. The study aims to use a special diagnostic test called metagenomic sequencing, which can detect nearly any known infection (like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) in a sample taken from the eye. By identifying these infections, doctors hope to better understand the causes of ocular inflammation and find more effective treatments.

To participate, individuals must be 18 years or older, have active eye inflammation that might be linked to an infection, and have not received a clear diagnosis from standard care. Participants will have a small sample of fluid taken from their eye, which will be sent for this advanced testing along with regular tests. The trial will take place at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London and will last for about a year. Participants will also receive some additional eye imaging during their clinic visit, but they won’t need to come back for extra research appointments. This study could be an important step toward improving diagnosis and treatment options for people with unexplained eye inflammation.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. 18 years of age or older with the capacity to consent
• • 2. Standard of care has not determined a clinical diagnosis
• • 3. Active ocular inflammation with risk of visual loss
• • 4. Clinically suspected infectious or para-infectious cause of ocular inflammation
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Contraindication to ocular fluid sampling
• • 2. Where an urgent result within 5 days is clinically required