Using fluorometholone eyedrops to improve outcomes after trichiasis surgery
Fluoromethelone as Adjunctive Medical Therapy for TT Surgery (FLAME) Trial
This study is looking at whether using special eyedrops can help prevent trachomatous trichiasis from coming back after surgery, and it's for people in Ethiopia who are having this surgery to avoid blindness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10655408 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of fluorometholone 0.1% eyedrops as an additional treatment for patients undergoing surgery for trachomatous trichiasis (TT), a condition that can lead to blindness. The trial aims to determine if these eyedrops can reduce the recurrence of TT after surgery, which currently has a high recurrence rate of 20-30%. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either the eyedrops or a placebo, and their outcomes will be monitored over time to assess the effectiveness and safety of this treatment. The study is being conducted in Ethiopia, where trachoma is a significant public health issue.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals undergoing surgery for trachomatous trichiasis in Ethiopia.
Not a fit: Patients who have not been diagnosed with trachomatous trichiasis or are not undergoing surgery will not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the recurrence of trichiasis after surgery, improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous trials have shown promising results with similar anti-inflammatory treatments, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ying, Gui-Shuang — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Ying, Gui-Shuang
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.