Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 10 to 50

Understanding keratoconus in children

Official title: The Collagen Factors of Rapid Progression of Keratoconus in Children: an Observational Cohort Study of the Physiological Parameter

Run by Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University · NCT06722937 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at the signs and causes of keratoconus in children to see how it differs from adults and to better understand this eye condition that can affect vision.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages10 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
Enrollment160 (estimated)
SponsorZhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 14, 2023
Main results expectedApril 13, 2025
Study endsApril 13, 2025
Registry record updatedDecember 9, 2024
Trial IDNCT06722937 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are children and young adults aged 10 to 50 years diagnosed with keratoconus who can comply with follow-up examinations.

Probably not a fit

Patients with a history of contact lens wear in the last four weeks or those with other significant eye diseases may not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the clinical features and mechanisms of keratoconus in children compared to adults. It focuses on understanding the characteristics of keratoconus in Chinese children and utilizes in vivo corneal laser confocal microscopy to observe corneal stromal cells at the cytological level. The study seeks to clarify the pathogenesis of this progressive corneal disease, which can lead to significant visual impairment if untreated.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of keratoconus in pediatric patients, potentially enhancing treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: While there is ongoing research on keratoconus, this specific focus on pediatric patients and their unique progression patterns is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ① Patients with keratoconus who visit the refractive clinic.

  1. The height of the posterior corneal surface is greater than 16 microns under the Pentacam corneal topography.
  2. ARTAve \< 424 microns, ARTMax \< 339 microns.
  3. Clinical non-inflammatory or traumatic corneal thinning and corneal astigmatism.

     * Aged between 10 and 50 years old, no gender restrictions.

       * Agree to accept and complete follow-up examinations on time. ④ I and my guardian understand and agree to participate in this clinical trial and sign the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* ① There is a history of contact lens wearing in the last four weeks.

  * poor fixation and can not cooperate with the examination. ③ History of eye trauma and surgery (including corneal collagen cross-linking surgery).

    * History of other related eye diseases: corneal disease, glaucoma, retinal choroid disease, etc..

      ⑤ severe eye diseases affecting imaging such as dry eye, conjunctivitis and pterygium.

      ⑥ Any systemic disease affecting eye morphology and refractive interstitium.

Where it's running

  • Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center,Sun Yat-Sen University
    Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.