View clinical trials related to Keratitis.
Filter by:Corneal damage in critically ill patients is common. There are currently two popular methods of treatment in the UK; hydrogel dressings and lubricating ointment. We propose to randomise patients to have a different treatment for each eye and see which one is more effective.
Bacterial corneal ulcers are a leading cause of pediatric blindness in underdeveloped countries due to a lack of antibiotic availability and affordability, among other reasons. Povidone-iodine, an inexpensive and readily available broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, may be an effective and affordable treatment for corneal ulcers, allowing preservation of sight for those afflicted with this disease.
The aim of this study is to compare the safety, specificity, sensitivity and ease of procedure of two potential diagnostic assays for HSV-1 detection in the cornea. Through the use of this new diagnostic assay, correct and early intervention would not only reduce corneal scarring from HSK, but it would also allow the initiation of appropriate treatment for HSV mimicking keratitis. HSV-1 infection of the eye can result in corneal scarring and blindness. Early diagnosis of this condition and appropriate treatment is of utmost importance. Various ocular surface conditions can mimic herpetic keratitis in their clinical presentation and can result in diagnostic confusion. Inappropriate or delayed treatment of herpetic corneal disease results in increased morbidity. In the UK at present clinical presentation is the mainstay of diagnosis. Unfortunately these cases often present to the most inexperienced clinical staff resulting in variability in diagnostic acumen. This often results in a delay or inappropriate diagnosis of herpetic keratitis. Laboratory techniques presently available to aid diagnosis are infrequently used in clinical practice. There are various reasons for their lack of use. Historically viral culture techniques were the mainstay of investigation but were slow, requiring weeks to provide a result. PCR is now replacing culture techniques and is relatively quick, reliable and sensitive. Many clinicians within the UK are still not fully informed of these advances and are therefore not utilizing these techniques to supplement clinical diagnosis. We propose to investigate the use of topically applied fluorescent antibody against active replicating HSV-1 in a droplet form and real time PCR detection of the virus. If successful this should increase the potential diagnostic capabilities of GPs and other less experienced health care workers. Such tests should reduce variability in diagnosis and the dependency on experienced ophthalmologists to diagnose the condition.
This study offers evaluation and treatment for patients with certain corneal and external diseases of the eye (diseases of the surface of the eye and its surrounding structures). The protocol is not designed to test new treatments; rather, patients will receive current standard of care treatments. The purpose of the study is twofold: 1) to allow National Eye Institute physicians to increase their knowledge of various corneal and external conditions and identify possible new avenues of research in this area; and 2) to establish a pool of patients who may be eligible for new studies as they are developed. (Participants in this protocol will not be required to join a new study; the decision will be voluntary.) Children and adults with corneal or external eye diseases may be eligible for this study. Candidates will be screened with a medical history, brief physical examination, thorough eye examination and blood test. The eye examination includes measurements of eye pressure and visual acuity (ability to see the vision chart) and dilation of the pupils to examine the lens and retina (back part of the eye). Patients will also undergo the following procedures: 1. Eye photography - Special photographs of the inside of the eye to help evaluate the status of the cornea and conjunctiva (the most superficial layer of the eye) evaluate changes that may occur in the future. From two to 20 pictures may be taken, depending on the eye condition. The camera flashes a bright light into the eye for each picture. 2. Conjunctival or lacrimal gland biopsy - A small piece of the conjunctiva or the lacrimal (tear) gland, is removed for examination under the microscope. Anesthetic drops and possibly an injection of anesthetic are given to numb the eye. An antibiotic ointment and patch may be placed over the eye for several hours after the procedure. Participants will be followed at least 3 years. Follow-up visits are scheduled according to the standard of care for the individual patient's eye problem. Vision will be checked at each visit, and some of the tests described above may be repeated to follow the progress of disease and evaluate the response to any treatment that is given.
This screening protocol is designed to facilitate patient recruitment to National Eye Institute (NEI) clinical research studies. Patients must meet specific requirements of a research study; this protocol serves as a first step for admitting patients to an appropriate program. Candidates may have a diagnosed or undiagnosed eye condition. They will be screened with a medical history, physical examination, eye examination and blood test. Other screening procedures may include routine laboratory tests, non-invasive imaging, and questionnaires. The eye examination includes measurement of eye pressure and dilation of the pupils to fully examine the lens, vitreous and retina. Specialized eye tests will be done only if needed to determine eligibility for a specific study. When the screening is completed, patients will be informed of their options to participate in a study. Patients who are found ineligible for a current study will be informed of alternative treatments or options. No treatment is offered under this protocol.
This study will examine the structure of the receptor molecule for the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and determine if the receptor's structure is related to susceptibility to infection with the virus. There are two types of herpes virus-HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 commonly causes cold sores, and HSV-2 usually causes genital herpes. The herpes virus enters (infects) cells through protein molecules on the cell's surface. This study will explore possible differences between the structure of the HSV receptor molecule in different people to understand better how infection occurs. The study will also look at proteins on white blood cells (Fc receptors, cytokines and mannose binding protein) that may influence the risk of infection with HSV. Information from this study may lead to new treatments to prevent HSV infection. People 18 years of age and older who are infected with HSV and people who are not infected with the virus may be eligible for this study. Participants will have blood drawn to confirm whether or not they have been infected with the virus. The blood sample will also be used to study the genes for the HSV receptor, Fc receptors, cytokines, mannose binding protein and related proteins on the white blood cells. No more than 40 milliliters (8 teaspoons) of blood will be drawn. Participants who are found to have antibodies to HSV-2 will be offered counseling and advice on practicing safe sex techniques to help prevent sexually transmitted diseases, including HSV-2 infection.
To determine whether early treatment (with oral acyclovir) of herpes simplex virus (HSV) ulcerations of the corneal epithelium prevents progression to the blinding complications of stromal keratitis and iridocyclitis. To determine the efficacy of low-dose oral acyclovir in preventing recurrent HSV eye infection in patients with previous episodes of herpetic eye disease. To determine the role of external factors (such as ultraviolet light or corneal trauma) and behavioral factors (such as life stress) on the induction of ocular recurrences of HSV eye infections and disease.