Treatment for droopy eyelids in children with mitochondrial diseases using red light
Can Red Light Lift Droopy Eyelids? An Open-label Proof-of-concept Study
This study is testing if shining red light on the closed eyelids of children with mitochondrial diseases can help strengthen their eyelid muscles and improve their ability to open their eyes.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 3 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University College, London Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London) |
| Trial ID | NCT06292182 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study tests a novel treatment for children and young people with genetically confirmed mitochondrial diseases who experience droopy eyelids (ptosis) and eye movement issues. Participants will receive near-infrared light therapy by shining a red light through their closed eyelids for three minutes daily over an 18-month period. The goal is to strengthen the eyelid muscles, potentially improving the ability to open the eyes and addressing squinting problems. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this non-invasive intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 3 to less than 18 years with a genetically confirmed diagnosis of primary mitochondrial disease and ptosis.
Not a fit: Patients without a genetic diagnosis or those whose genetic diagnosis is not consistent with primary mitochondrial disease may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly improve eyelid function and quality of life for affected children.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel, similar studies using light therapy for muscle strengthening have shown promise in other contexts.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion: Age 3 to less than 18 years Genetically confirmed diagnosis of primary mitochondrial disease (known pathogenic mutation(s) in mitochondrial or nuclear DNA known to cause primary mitochondrial disease) Ptosis Exclusion: Genetic diagnosis not consistent with primary mitochondrial disease. No genetic diagnosis Unable to cooperate with light treatment or ophthalmological assessments.
Where this trial is running
London
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust — London, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Glen Jeffery, PhD
- Email: g.jeffery@ucl.ac.uk
- Phone: 020 7608 6800
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.