Using advanced imaging technology during eye surgery

Intraoperative OCT Guidance of Intraocular Surger

Observational Duke University · NCT03713268

This study is testing a new imaging technology during eye surgery to see if it can help doctors perform better and improve outcomes for patients with retinal diseases.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment262 (estimated)
Ages4 Weeks and up
SexAll
SponsorDuke University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Durham, North Carolina)
Trial IDNCT03713268 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to develop and implement microscope integrated optical coherence tomography (MIOCT) to provide real-time volumetric imaging during intraocular surgeries. By enhancing surgical visualization, the technology seeks to improve outcomes for patients undergoing procedures for various retinal diseases, including macular holes and diabetic retinopathy. The study will involve both healthy controls and patients requiring vitreoretinal or anterior segment surgeries, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of the technology's effectiveness. The goal is to overcome current limitations in surgical practice and enable new microsurgical techniques.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults and children undergoing vitreoretinal or anterior segment surgeries for conditions like macular holes, epiretinal membranes, and glaucoma.

Not a fit: Patients with ocular diseases that prevent effective OCT scanning may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could significantly enhance surgical precision and outcomes for patients with complex retinal conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing advanced imaging techniques in surgery have shown promising results, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Healthy controls: Healthy eyes without known disease: refractive error including myopia and non-significant cataract is allowed. For selected testing pseudophakia is allowed.
2. Surgeons as research subjects: Adult (≥18 years old)
3. Surgical patients (vitreoretinal surgery): Patients undergoing examination under anesthesia or surgery for vitreoretinal diseases
4. Surgical patients (anterior segment surgery-glaucoma, ocular surface or strabismus requiring extraocular muscle surgery): Include both adults and children. Patient undergoing primary, elective minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, ocular surface surgery, or strabismus surgery.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Healthy controls: Any ocular disease that restricts the ability to perform OCT scanning. Conflict of interest with investigators/study personnel, e.g. a student in the lab of an investigator.
2. Surgeons as research subjects: no specific exclusion criteria.
3. Surgical patients (vitreoretinal surgery): Neonates (\< 4 weeks of age) and patients with any ocular disease that restricts the ability to perform OCT scanning.
4. Surgical patients (anterior segment surgery-corneal and cataract diseases): Pediatric patients: The cornea and cataract surgery studies will be restricted to adults (≥ 18 years). Children do not have cataract surgery typically by residents and therefore would not fit our study design. Similarly pediatric corneal transplants are very rare.

Where this trial is running

Durham, North Carolina

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 Macular HolesEpiretinal MembraneDiabetic RetinopathyRetinal DetachmentRetinal DiseasePreretinal FibrosisCataractOcular Tumor
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.