Vitamin C's effect on corneal health during cataract surgery

The Effects of Vitamin C Supplementation on Corneal Endothelial Damage in Hard Cataract Phacoemulsification: an Oxidative Stress Study on Aqueous Humour and Corneal Endothelial Cell Characteristics.

NA · Indonesia University · NCT06781970

This study is testing if taking vitamin C before and after cataract surgery can help protect the eye and reduce damage to the cornea compared to a placebo.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment120 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorIndonesia University (other)
Locations2 sites (Jakarta, DKI Jakarta and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06781970 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the protective effects of oral vitamin C on the corneal endothelial layer during phacoemulsification surgery for patients with hard cataracts. It aims to determine whether preoperative and postoperative vitamin C administration can reduce oxidative stress and endothelial cell loss compared to a placebo. The study will measure levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the aqueous humor and blood to assess oxidative stress and its correlation with vitamin C intake. Participants will be monitored for 7 weeks post-surgery to evaluate outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are males and females aged 60 years or older with immature senile cataracts and specific lens opacity criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of previous intraocular surgery or allergies to vitamin C may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved corneal health and reduced endothelial damage in patients undergoing cataract surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific application of vitamin C in this context is novel, antioxidant therapies have shown promise in other studies related to oxidative stress in ocular conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Males and females aged 60 years or older
* Patients with immature senile cataracts in one or both eyes, with LOC (lens opacities classification) III nuclear opacity grade 4-6 and nuclear color grade 4-6 criteria
* Patients willing to undergo phacoemulsification cataract surgery and consume the study medication as allocated, as well as participate in follow-up assessments for 7 weeks
* Patients with no history of previous intraocular surgery
* Patients with no history of allergy to vitamin C
* Patients not routinely consuming other vitamins
* Patients who agree to and sign the informed consent for the study

Exclusion Criteria:

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Where this trial is running

Jakarta, DKI Jakarta and 1 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Endothelial Cell Loss, Corneal, Cataract and Intraocular Lens Surgery, Cataract, Corneal Endothelial Damage, Phacoemulsification, Total Antioxidant Capacity, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin C Supplementation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.