Study of Corneal Biomechanics in Glaucoma Patients Using Brillouin Microscopy
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Prostaglandin Analogue -Containing IOP-Lowering Therapy, Beta Blocker, Brillouin Microscopy.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Glaucoma. Basic parameters: from 18 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- United States
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Development of Robust Corneal Biomechanical Biomarkers for Glaucoma Using Brillouin Microscopy
Overview
This pilot study evaluates the biomechanical properties of the cornea in glaucoma patients using Brillouin microscopy, a non-contact imaging technique. The study aims to compare corneal stiffness between patients with normal-tension glaucoma, high-tension glaucoma, and healthy controls, and to assess changes in corneal biomechanics following intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering treatment. The goal is to determine whether Brillouin-derived biomechanical measurements can serve as biomarkers for glaucoma risk and progression.
Detailed description
This study explores the biomechanical properties of the cornea in patients with glaucoma using a novel, non-contact imaging technique called Brillouin microscopy. The technology allows in vivo assessment of tissue stiffness without physical perturbation, potentially offering new insights into glaucoma risk and response to therapy.
The study includes two parts: a cross-sectional comparison between patients with normal- and high-tension glaucoma and healthy controls, and a longitudinal analysis of biomechanical changes following IOP-lowering treatment with either prostaglandin analogs or beta blockers.
The goal is to determine whether corneal biomechanics can serve as a biomarker for glaucoma susceptibility and progression, and to evaluate the feasibility of integrating Brillouin imaging into clinical glaucoma care.
Interventions
- Drug Prostaglandin Analogue -Containing IOP-Lowering Therapy
Subjects with glaucoma may be prescribed prostaglandin analogs as part of their clinical care. This group will be observed longitudinally to assess changes in corneal biomechanics. - Drug Beta Blocker
Subjects with glaucoma may be prescribed topical beta blockers as part of their clinical care. This group will be observed longitudinally to assess changes in corneal biomechanics. - Device Brillouin Microscopy
Brillouin microscopy is a non-contact optical imaging method used to assess the biomechanical properties of the cornea in vivo with three-dimensional resolution. It will be used to evaluate corneal stiffness in all study subjects.
Primary outcome measures
- Change in Corneal Biomechanical Modulus [Time frame: Baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks]
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
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
Study locations
United States · 1 center
- University of Maryland School of Medicine — Baltimore
Identifiers
NCT: NCT06993597 · HP-00110432 · R21EY035483