Measuring the biomechanical properties of tissues using OCT Vibrography

A Study to Test the Potential of OCT Vibrography for Measuring Biomechanical Properties of Tissues

Not applicable Interventional Massachusetts General Hospital · NCT05759780

This study is testing a new way to measure how stretchy and firm different human tissues are, especially looking at the differences between healthy eyes and those with keratoconus, to help improve diagnosis and treatment options.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorMassachusetts General Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Boston, Massachusetts)
Trial IDNCT05759780 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop OCT Vibrography, also known as OCT elastography, as a new method for assessing the biomechanical properties of human tissues in vivo. The researchers will establish baseline data from healthy subjects and compare the elastic moduli of different tissue types, particularly focusing on keratoconus versus normal eyes. The findings could enhance the understanding of how tissue microstructure relates to its mechanical properties, potentially improving the diagnosis and treatment of conditions like keratoconus and inflammatory skin and gingival diseases. The technology may also have broader applications beyond the specific tissues studied.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include healthy individuals aged 18-75 and those aged 18-40 with mild to moderate keratoconus.

Not a fit: Patients with severe keratoconus or those with a history of eye diseases or skin infections may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment options for patients with keratoconus and inflammatory skin and gingival diseases.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using similar optical imaging techniques for assessing tissue properties, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Group 1:

Inclusion criteria:

• Subjects with healthy eyes (age 18 - 75, N = 50)

Exclusion criteria:

* Subjects with history of eye diseases, and previous eye surgeries.
* Subjects with diabetes, glaucoma family history
* Subjects allergic to anesthetic eyedrop, especially proparacaine
* Subjects with severe allergy
* Subjects who have difficulty biting
* Subjects who have recurrent corneal erosion

Group 2:

Inclusion criteria:

• Subjects with healthy skin (age 18 - 75, N = 10)

Exclusion criteria:

• Subjects with open cuts/sores on the skin, skin infection, or any contagious skin condition

Group 3:

Inclusion criteria:

• Subjects with healthy gingiva (age 18 - 75, N = 10)

Exclusion criteria:

• Subjects with open cuts/sores on the gingiva, gingiva infection, or any contagious gingiva condition

Group 4:

Inclusion criteria:

• Mild or moderate keratoconus subjects (age 18 - 40, N = 20)

Exclusion criteria:

• Subjects with K-max above 60 diopters (Pentacam imaging) are excluded

Where this trial is running

Boston, Massachusetts

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 CorneaSkin DiseasesGingival Diseasesbiomechanicscorneaskingingivaoptical coherence tomography
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.