Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 79

Evaluation of a new corneal implant for severe eye conditions

Official title: Prospective, Investigator Initiated Feasibility Study to Evaluate the Safety, and Indicative Effectiveness of Gebauer™ Lenticules in Patients Suffering From Severe Keratoconus or Post LASIK Ectasia

Run by The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust · NCT04741230 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new corneal implant to see if it can help people with severe eye conditions like keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia improve their vision without needing more invasive surgery.

More Keratoconus trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 79 Years
SexAll
Enrollment15 (estimated)
SponsorThe Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust
Government
Locations1 site (Wolverhampton, West Midlands)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMay 15, 2024
Main results expectedDecember 1, 2026
Study endsDecember 1, 2026
Registry record updatedJanuary 15, 2026
Trial IDNCT04741230 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 to 80 with severe keratoconus or post-LASIK ectasia who prefer to avoid corneal transplant surgery.

Probably not a fit

Patients with other significant ocular pathologies or those who are not suitable for the procedure due to health concerns may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of the Gebauer™ Lenticule, a novel corneal implant derived from porcine collagen, for treating severe keratoconus and post-LASIK ectasia. The implant is designed for intra-stromal insertion to improve corneal stability without impairing vision, particularly in patients who wish to avoid more invasive surgical options like corneal transplants. The procedure is reversible, allowing for removal of the implant if necessary. Patients will be monitored for outcomes related to vision and corneal health following the intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a less invasive option for patients with severe keratoconus or post-LASIK ectasia, potentially preserving or improving their vision.

How similar studies have gone: While this approach is novel, similar studies evaluating corneal implants have shown promise in improving vision outcomes in patients with corneal ectatic conditions.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of severe keratoconus in patients who would prefer to avoid corneal transplant surgery / penetrating keratoplasty OR
* Diagnosis of severe post-LASIK Ectasia in patients who would prefer to avoid corneal transplant surgery / penetrating keratoplasty
* In terms of general health, patients must be free of diagnosed terminal illnesses (life expectancy of greater than or equal to 2 years).
* Patients must be aged 18 years or over and less than 80 years old
* Patients' contact lenses must have been removed at least one-week prior to surgery for soft lenses and two weeks prior to surgery for hard lenses
* Subject understands the study requirements and the treatment procedures and provides written Informed Consent before any study-specific tests or procedures are performed
* Patient must be able and willing to complete all study visits and comply with the study-specific requirements

Exclusion Criteria:

* History or presence of any ocular pathologies that may interfere with the planned surgical treatment, including corneal epithelial problems
* Previous corneal transplantation or corneal implant in the designated eye
* Cataract with anticipated surgical intervention (IOL implantation) within 2 years
* Active inflammation and/or infection of the eye or the eye lid
* Patients with Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP) \<10 mmHg or \>21 mmHg
* Professionally diagnosed and currently treated autoimmune diseases
* Current strong symptoms of any allergy
* History of major organ transplantation and/or current continuing immunosuppressive treatment
* History of blood transfusion within the last 12 months
* Subject who is currently participating or has participated in another investigational clinical study within the past 60 days Pregnancy and lactation

Where it's running

  • The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
    Wolverhampton, West Midlands, United Kingdom
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.