Improving vision in keratoconus using laser collagen cross-linking
Official title: Clinical Trial of Laser Custom Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking in Keratoconus
Run by Oregon Health and Science University · NCT03760432 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to use laser treatment to improve vision in people with keratoconus by using special imaging to make the procedure more precise.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Oregon Health and Science University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Portland, Oregon) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | June 20, 2018 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 9, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT03760432 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are individuals diagnosed with keratoconus who have a minimum corneal thickness of 410 microns.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with concurrent retinal diseases, glaucoma, or other eye conditions that may limit visual outcomes will 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 Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to guide laser custom corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in patients with keratoconus. By measuring corneal thickness and other parameters, the study aims to enhance the precision of the CXL procedure, which is designed to reduce corneal aberrations and improve visual outcomes. The research will evaluate the effectiveness of this approach in comparison to traditional methods, particularly focusing on the impact of using mitomycin-C during the procedure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved vision and reduced corneal haze for patients with keratoconus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with collagen cross-linking techniques, but this specific approach using OCT guidance is novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of keratoconus * Minimum corneal thickness of 410 microns Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to maintain fixation for OCT imaging * Inability to commit to required study visits * Inability to give informed consent * Eyes with concurrent retinal diseases, glaucoma, or other eye conditions that may limit the visual outcome after surgery * Mature cataracts if found to limit visual potential to worse than 20/40
Where it's running
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, Oregon, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David Huang, MD, PhD — Oregon Health and Science University
- Study coordinator: Denzil Romfh, OD
- Email: romfhd@ohsu.edu
- Phone: 503-494-4351
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Corneal Crosslinking to Treat Progressive Keratoconus or Corneal Ectasia
This study tests two different light durations used in corneal crosslinking to see which better helps people with keratoconus or corneal ectasia.
-
Brillouin hydration mapping to study cornea health
Researchers test a Brillouin microscope to see if it can measure corneal water content in healthy people and those with eye conditions.
-
Same-day bilateral corneal cross-linking for keratoconus
This trial tests whether performing corneal cross-linking in both eyes on the same day is safe and feasible for people with keratoconus.
-
A Smart Aperture Lens to Help Keratoconus and Presbyopia
This study tests the NOA lens, a custom scleral contact lens with a central aperture, to see if it improves vision for people with keratoconus and presbyopia.
-
GLK-221 eye drops for keratoconus
This trial will test whether twice-daily GLK-221 eye drops are safe and help adults aged 18–55 with keratoconus compared with a placebo.
-
Corneal wavefront-guided PRK plus epi-off CXL versus PTK plus epi-off CXL for keratoconus
This trial tests whether adding corneal wavefront-guided PRK to epi-off corneal cross-linking gives better vision than PTK plus epi-off CXL in adults with keratoconus.
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.