Cord plasma eye drops to treat neuropathic corneal pain
Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy and Mechanisms of Cord Plasma Eye Drops in the Treatment of Neuropathic Corneal Pain
This trial will test whether cord plasma eye drops can reduce long-lasting nerve-related corneal pain in people with evidence of corneal nerve damage.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Singapore Eye Research Institute Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Singapore, Singapore) |
| Trial ID | NCT07566806 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a single-center interventional trial at the Singapore Eye Research Institute testing topical cord plasma eye drops in patients with neuropathic corneal pain lasting at least three months and corneal nerve abnormalities on in vivo confocal microscopy. Participants receive cord plasma eye drops and are followed for changes in pain symptoms, corneal nerve imaging (IVCM), and tear mediators to explore both clinical effect and mechanisms. Key eligibility requires persistent neuropathic symptoms, minimal surface staining, and imaging evidence of nerve damage; active ocular surface infection or epithelial defects are excluded. The study aims to determine whether the drops provide neurotrophic and anti-neuroinflammatory benefit beyond standard dry eye treatments.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with at least three months of neuropathic corneal pain symptoms, corneal nerve abnormalities on IVCM, minimal corneal staining, and willingness to use cord plasma eye drops.
Not a fit: Patients with active ocular surface infection, epithelial defects, or primarily nociceptive (non-neuropathic) pain are unlikely to benefit from this treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, cord plasma eye drops could reduce neuropathic corneal pain and promote corneal nerve recovery for patients who do not respond to conventional treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Blood-derived eye drops (serum/plasma) have shown benefit for some ocular surface disorders, but applying cord plasma specifically for neuropathic corneal pain is relatively novel and not well-established.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Persistent ocular pain or pain-like symptoms, including burning sensation, allodynia, photoallodynia, stinging, hyperalgesia, throbbing, shooting, sharp, cramping, gnawing, or a feeling of electric shock, with a minimum score of 30% for more than 3 questions in the OPAS questionnaire (see below section for OPAS questionnaire), for at least 3 months; 2. Presence of corneal nerve abnormalities, including microneuromas, beading, nerve tortuosity, decreased in corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) or corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), on IVCM images; 3. Minimal or no ocular surface fluorescein staining, with the National Eye Institute (NEI) and ocular surface Oxford score \<2; 4. Patients who will receive cord plasma eye drops treatment Exclusion Criteria: 1. Presence of active ocular surface diseases, such as active infective keratitis, the presence of epithelial defect or any other conditions that may cause nociceptive pain 2. Active anterior or posterior blepharitis; 3. Presence of concomitant ocular diseases that may cause ocular pain, such as uveitis or other ocular inflammatory diseases; 4. Concurrent treatment with immunosuppressants, such as topical cyclosporin or steroid eye drops 5. Concurrent use of oral Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) or other medications that may affect the pain scores
Where this trial is running
Singapore, Singapore
- Singapore Eye Research Institute — Singapore, Singapore, Singapore (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yu-Chi Liu, PhD
- Email: liu.yu.chi@snec.com.sg
- Phone: 65 65767493
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.