Lowering eye pressure to improve blood flow in glaucoma patients

Observational Study of Ocular Blood Flow Pre- and Post- Glaucoma Surgery Using Functional and Structural Optical Coherence Tomography

Oregon Health and Science University · NCT01931904

This study is testing if lowering eye pressure can improve blood flow in the eyes of people with glaucoma who are about to have surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment46 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorOregon Health and Science University (other)
Locations1 site (Portland, Oregon)
Trial IDNCT01931904 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate whether reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) can enhance blood flow to the eye in patients with glaucoma. Utilizing advanced high-speed ocular coherence tomography (OCT), the study will develop innovative imaging techniques to assess optic nerve head and retinal blood flow. The research focuses on correlating visual field loss with retinal blood flow measurements, potentially leading to improved diagnostic and prognostic evaluations for glaucoma. Participants will include those scheduled for trabeculectomy or tube shunt surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with perimetric open angle glaucoma or chronic angle closure glaucoma who are scheduled for specific surgical interventions.

Not a fit: Patients with significant visual impairment, certain refractive errors, or other eye conditions that may complicate the evaluation will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better management and treatment strategies for glaucoma patients, potentially preserving vision.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using similar imaging techniques, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects diagnosed with perimetric open angle glaucoma or chronic angle closure glaucoma.
* Subjects scheduled to undergo trabeculectomy or tube shunt surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* Best-corrected visual acuity less than 20/40
* Age \< 18 or \>85 years
* Refractive error of \> +3.00 D or \< -7.00 D
* Previous vision correction surgery such as Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) or Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
* Previous intraocular surgery except for uncomplicated cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation
* Diabetic retinopathy
* History of heart failure, myocardial infarction, transient ischemic attack or stroke
* Other diseases that may cause VF loss or optic disc abnormalities
* Inability to clinically view or photograph the optic discs due to media opacity or poorly dilating pupil
* Inability to perform reliably on automated VF testing
* Life-threatening or debilitating illness making it unlikely patient will successfully complete the study.
* Refusal of informed consent or of commitment to the full length of the study

Where this trial is running

Portland, Oregon

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Glaucoma, IOP, Trabeculectomy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.