Exploring the link between the eye's microbiome and immune system in dry eye disease
Official title: Associations of the Ocular Microbiome and the Immune System in Dry Eye Disease
Run by Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern · NCT04658238 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at the eye's bacteria and immune system in people with and without dry eye disease to see how they might be connected and what could help improve symptoms.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 600 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bern) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2020 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 1, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT04658238 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older, both with and without dry eye disease.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have recently used systemic or topical antibiotics or have undergone ocular surgery in the past three months 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 observational study aims to characterize the ocular microbiome and the local immune system in individuals with and without dry eye disease. By comparing these two groups, the study seeks to identify differences in the ocular microbiome and immune responses that may contribute to the development of dry eye disease. The researchers hypothesize that dysbiosis of the ocular microbiome could lead to chronic inflammation, impacting the mucosal immune system and exacerbating dry eye symptoms. The findings could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of dry eye disease and potential new avenues for treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of dry eye disease, potentially offering new therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of the ocular microbiome in eye health is an emerging field, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding the microbiome's impact on various diseases.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Willing to sign informed consent * 18 years of age or older Exclusion Criteria: * Not willing or able to sign informed consent * Younger than 18 years * Recent (3 month) history of use of systemic and/or topical antibiotics * Usage of medical eye drops (Lacrycon and other moisturizing eye drops are allowed) * Recent (3 month) history of ocular surgery
Where it's running
-
Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital
Bern, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Martin Zinkernagel, Prof. Dr. Dr. — Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital
- Study coordinator: Martin Zinkernagel, Prof. Dr. Dr.
- Email: martin.zinkernagel@insel.ch
- Phone: +41 31 632 95 65
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
See if TRYPTYR 0.003% helps dry eye symptoms and signs
This study tests whether acoltremon 0.003% can improve symptoms and eye findings in adults with dry eye disease.
-
BL1107 dosing for drying eye redness: finding the lowest effective amount
This trial tests whether different doses of BL1107 can fully reduce conjunctival redness in people with dry eye disease, while keeping participants unaware of the dose they receive.
-
Eye drops from umbilical cord stem cell vesicles to help dry eye
A tiny drop of human umbilical cord stem cell–derived vesicles is applied to the eye daily for four weeks to see if it helps dry eye symptoms and signs.
-
Tear iron levels and dry eye severity
This project will see if the amount of iron in tears is linked to how severe someone's dry eye is by comparing people with dry eye to healthy volunteers.
-
Vitamin A–based eye ointment for dry, burning, or irritated eyes
This trial will try a vitamin A–based ointment called Vit-A-Vision in adults with dry eye symptoms to see if it improves comfort and tear stability.
-
Exploring dry eye disease patterns after cataract surgery
This study looks at how cataract surgery affects dry eye symptoms in patients aged 50 to 90 and tests if using artificial tears helps improve their comfort over time.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.