Investigating how carbon dioxide levels affect eye pressure in children

Effect of Raised End-Tidal pCo2 on Choroidal Volume

Not applicable Interventional University of Pittsburgh · NCT06275308

This study is testing how different levels of carbon dioxide in the body affect eye pressure in young children during eye exams.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 8 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pittsburgh Academic / other
Locations1 site (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT06275308 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the relationship between arterial carbon dioxide concentration and vitreous pressure on choroidal volume in children undergoing eye exams under anesthesia. Using integrated intraoperative OCT imaging, the thickness of the choroid will be measured while manipulating end-tidal CO2 levels. The goal is to understand how changes in CO2 levels may influence intraocular pressure and potentially lead to complications during eye procedures. Children aged newborn to 8 years with normal eyes will be included, and various measurements will be taken to ensure accuracy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged newborn to 8 years undergoing an eye exam under anesthesia for ophthalmologic reasons.

Not a fit: Patients over the age of 8 or those with specific medical conditions affecting the eye or cerebral autoregulation will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved safety and outcomes for pediatric eye surgeries by minimizing complications related to intraocular pressure.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of manipulating CO2 levels in this context may be novel, related studies have explored the effects of gas concentrations on ocular conditions, indicating potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* any child undergoing an eye exam under anesthesia for an ophthalmologic reason.
* children between the ages newborn to 8 years of age.

Exclusion Criteria:

* children who are not having an eye exam under anesthesia.
* children with a known medical diagnosis that affect the eye to be studied
* \* children over the age of 8 years of age.
* \* children with altered cerebral autoregulation, increased intracranial pressure, pulmonary hypertension, or any other condition deemed appropriate by the anesthesiologist.
* children in whom a laryngeal mask airway will not be used

Where this trial is running

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Intraocular Pressure
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.