Measuring corneal stiffness in glaucoma with Brillouin microscopy

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

This observational pilot enrolls adults with primary open-angle glaucoma (high- and normal-tension) and age-matched healthy controls for cross-sectional and longitudinal imaging. Participants undergo non-contact Brillouin microscopy to measure corneal biomechanical properties, with baseline comparisons across the three groups. Glaucoma participants who start prostaglandin analogs or topical beta blockers will have repeat imaging to detect treatment-related changes over time. The study aims to determine whether Brillouin-derived stiffness measures could serve as biomarkers for glaucoma susceptibility or progression and to evaluate the technique's feasibility in clinical care.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

\- Age 18 years or older

Diagnosis of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) or no history of glaucoma (for controls)

Open angle on gonioscopy (Shaffer grade 3 or 4)

Best-corrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better

Refractive error between +3.00 and -5.00 diopters

No prior use of topical glaucoma medications

Diagnosis of:

High Tension Glaucoma (IOP ≥ 22 mmHg on 3 visits)

Normal Tension Glaucoma (IOP ≤ 21 mmHg on 3 visits)

OR age-matched control with normal optic nerve and visual fields

Exclusion Criteria:

Corneal abnormalities or conditions interfering with Brillouin or applanation tonometry

Retinal diseases affecting RNFL (e.g., macular traction)

History of ocular surgery or laser

Diagnosis of diabetes

History of uveitis

History of prolonged steroid use

Neurodegenerative or systemic diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, schizophrenia)

Unreliable visual fields

Contraindications to beta blockers (e.g., bradycardia, severe pulmonary disease)

Moderate to severe glaucoma (per Hodapp-Anderson-Parrish criteria)

History of contact lens use

Low blood pressure

Where it's running

• University of Maryland School of Medicine
  Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Osamah Saeedi, MD — University of Maryland, Baltimore
• Study coordinator: Osamah Saeedi, MD
• Email: osaeedi@som.umaryland.edu
• Phone: 16672141232

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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.