Study of Corneal Biomechanics in Glaucoma Patients Using Brillouin Microscopy

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND, BALTIMORE · May 19, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, behaves in patients with glaucoma. Researchers will use a special imaging technique called Brillouin microscopy, which does not touch the eye, to measure the stiffness of the cornea in different groups: those with normal-tension glaucoma, high-tension glaucoma, and healthy individuals. The goal is to see if the stiffness of the cornea can help identify the risk of developing glaucoma or track its progression, especially after treatment that lowers eye pressure.

To participate in the trial, you need to be at least 18 years old and have either primary open-angle glaucoma or no history of glaucoma at all (if you’re in the control group). Other requirements include having good vision and not using glaucoma medications before the study. Participants will undergo non-invasive tests to measure their corneal stiffness and will help researchers understand how this might relate to glaucoma. Please note that certain health conditions or past eye surgeries may prevent someone from participating. This study is currently not recruiting participants, so keep an eye out for updates if you're interested!

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • - Age 18 years or older
• • Diagnosis of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) or no history of glaucoma (for controls)
• • Open angle on gonioscopy (Shaffer grade 3 or 4)
• • Best-corrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better
• • Refractive error between +3.00 and -5.00 diopters
• • No prior use of topical glaucoma medications
• Diagnosis of:
• • High Tension Glaucoma (IOP ≥ 22 mmHg on 3 visits)
• • Normal Tension Glaucoma (IOP ≤ 21 mmHg on 3 visits)
• • OR age-matched control with normal optic nerve and visual fields
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Corneal abnormalities or conditions interfering with Brillouin or applanation tonometry
• • Retinal diseases affecting RNFL (e.g., macular traction)
• • History of ocular surgery or laser
• • Diagnosis of diabetes
• • History of uveitis
• • History of prolonged steroid use
• • Neurodegenerative or systemic diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, schizophrenia)
• • Unreliable visual fields
• • Contraindications to beta blockers (e.g., bradycardia, severe pulmonary disease)
• • Moderate to severe glaucoma (per Hodapp-Anderson-Parrish criteria)
• • History of contact lens use
• • Low blood pressure