Ocular fungal presence in eyelid disease status
Official title: Prevalence of Ocular Dysbiosis Across Distinct Blepharitis Phenotypes: A Multicenter Observational Natural History Study
Run by Vance Thompson Vision · NCT07869498 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether fungal organisms are present and common in moderate-severe anterior blepharitis patients by sampling the lash/lid margin.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Vance Thompson Vision Academic / other |
| Locations | 5 sites (Jacksonville, Florida and 4 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 7, 2026 |
| Main results expected | March 2027 |
| Study ends | March 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07869498 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18+ with clinically diagnosed symptomatic moderate-severe anterior blepharitis and willingness to provide lash/lid margin samples.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without detectable fungal involvement or those not fitting the sampling criteria may not benefit from the findings.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is an observational study enrolling adults with symptomatic moderate to severe anterior blepharitis. Researchers will collect lash epilation or lid margin samples to look for fungal organisms and estimate their prevalence across four blepharitis populations. The study does not involve an intervention, and participants will be observed to understand the role of fungi in this condition. Results may help clarify whether fungi are common in this eye disease and guide future research. The study is led by Brent Kramer with sites in Florida, Kansas, and North Carolina.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If fungi are found to be common, this could prompt further research into targeted diagnostics or treatments for blepharitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous similar work has documented microbial involvement in eyelid disease, but fungal prevalence in blepharitis populations is not fully established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults 18 years or older, able to provide informed consent * Clinical diagnosis of symptomatic moderate-severe anterior blepharitis (VAS subject reported eye irritation greater than or equal to 40 (0-100 scale), VAS subject reported eye itchiness greater than or equal to 40 (0-100 scale)) * Willingness to undergo lash epilation / lid margin sampling * If both eyes qualify for study, the worst eye will be enrolled into the study as determined by investigator's medical judgment Exclusion Criteria: * Active ocular infection requiring urgent treatment * Topical or systemic antifungal treatment within past 3 months * Severe ocular surface disease precluding sampling * Immunocompromised states (optional exclusion depending on investigator judgement)
Where it's running
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The Eye Associates
Jacksonville, Florida, United States Recruiting -
Kannarr Eye Care
Pittsburg, Kansas, United States Recruiting -
Pure Ophthalmic Research
Mint Hill, North Carolina, United States Recruiting -
CORE Inc.
Shelby, North Carolina, United States Recruiting -
Vance Thompson Vision
Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States Recruiting
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.