Linking the microbiome to the complement system in geographic atrophy.
Livia Spörri, Justyna M Studer, Marco Kreuzer...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41629364Actively Recruiting
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
Healthy Volunteers
ID04658238
Associations of the Ocular Microbiome and the Immune System in Dry Eye Disease
Led by Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern · Updated on 2025-04-01
600
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
I
Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern
Lead Sponsor
S
Stiftung OPOS
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying the ocular microbiome and the local immune system in people with and without dry eye disease to better understand their relationship. Dry eye disease is common and difficult to treat, with inflammation playing a key role. The study aims to find links between changes in the eye's microbiome and immune system that may contribute to dry eye disease. Participants include people with dry eye disease and healthy controls without the condition. The study involves characterizing the types and functions of bacteria on the eye's surface and analyzing tear fluid and eye tissue to assess immune system activity. These evaluations occur at the start of the study to compare both groups. During the study, participants will undergo assessments of their eye bacteria and immune system through tear fluid tests, tissue exams, and molecular analyses. Researchers will measure differences and correlations between the ocular microbiome and immune system in both groups. The study is observational and involves no drug treatments, focusing on collecting detailed biological data to improve understanding of dry eye disease.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Ocular Microbiome and Immune System in Dry Eyes
Who Can Participate
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
Healthy Volunteers
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Willing to sign informed consent
- 18 years of age or older
You will not qualify if you...
- Not willing or able to sign informed consent
- Younger than 18 years
- Recent (3 month) history of use of systemic and/or topical antibiotics
- Usage of medical eye drops (Lacrycon and other moisturizing eye drops are allowed)
- Recent (3 month) history of ocular surgery
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
1
2
3
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Diagnostic Evaluation
Duration - At baseline
Participants undergo assessments to characterize the ocular microbiome and the local immune system through tear fluid analysis, conjunctival tissue histology, and molecular assays.
1 visit (in-person)
Long-term Monitoring
Duration - Up to study completion
Participants are observed to assess associations between the ocular microbiome and the immune system in dry eye disease without receiving any treatment.
Visits as needed for assessments
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Department of Ophthalmology, Inselspital
Bern, Switzerland, 3010
Actively Recruiting
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Research Team
M
Martin Zinkernagel, Prof. Dr. Dr.
D
Denise Zysset, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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