Other conditions
HCQ Study: Investigation of genetic susceptibility to retinal toxicity in patients taking hydroxychloroquine.
Eye condition/Study type:
Subjects taking hydroxychloroquine
Principal Investigator:
Professor Susan Downes
Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is commonly used for joint and skin disorders and is being studied for COVID-19 treatment. However, long-term use can cause HCQ retinopathy, leading to irreversible blindness. In the UK, retinal screening for HCQ users is recommended, costing millions annually, but it only detects damage after it occurs. This research aims to use genetic testing to identify patients at risk of retinopathy by comparing the genetic profiles of affected and unaffected individuals. Identifying genetic markers will help develop a screening tool, potentially preventing HCQ retinopathy and reducing the need for costly retinal screenings.
https://studies.ouh.nhs.uk/project_detail/7228/
Currently recruiting. If interested, please contact via email ERGO@ouh.nhs.uk
The MACTEL Study: A Natural History Observation and Registry Study of Macular Telangiectasia Type 2.
Eye condition/Study type:
Macular Telangiectasia Type 2
Principal Investigator:
Miss Samantha de Silva
Macular Telangiectasia (MacTel) type 2 is a retinal disease leading to gradual central vision loss, usually noticeable between ages 40 and 60. This deterioration significantly impacts quality of life, as central vision is crucial for tasks requiring sharp vision, such as reading and driving. MacTel type 2, a bilateral condition, may affect both eyes differently and might be inherited, with 10-20% of patients having affected family members, often asymptomatic. At Oxford Eye Hospital, a secure database will document patient changes from early onset to impairment. Data, shared with the Lowy Medical Research Institute, will support genetic studies, systemic marker investigations, and patient identification for future trials.
https://studies.ouh.nhs.uk/project_detail/4605/
Currently recruiting. If interested, please contact via email ERGO@ouh.nhs.uk
COMBAT: Clinical and cost-effectiveness, safety, and acceptability of COMBined phacovitrectomy, versus sequentiAl viTrectomy and cataract surgery, for the management of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment: A Randomised Equivalence Clinical Trial (COMBAT)
Principal Investigator:
Mr Kanmin Xue
Research summary
The retina is the layer at the back of the eye that gives sight. Normally it is attached to the wall of the eye, but can separate in a condition called rhegmatogenous retinal detachment(RRD). RRD causes sight loss and requires surgery. The most common surgery to treat a RRD is Vitrectomy however, Vitrectomy can have complications. The most common is cataracts which get worse with time. When they affect vision they need to be removed with surgery. In cataract surgery the foggy lens is changed (replaced) for an artificial clear lens. Surgeons do not routinely offer cataract surgery at the same time as vitrectomy in people with RRD. At the moment, we don‘t know if it‘s best to do both surgeries at the same time or separately. Thus, we planned COMBAT. Patients who join COMBAT will receive either 1) vitrectomy first and, if needed, cataract surgery later, or 2) cataract surgery and vitrectomy at the same time. We will compare how people do by looking at their sight, the number of retinas that reattach, patient satisfaction, complications and costs.
IRAS number
338079
https://studies.ouh.nhs.uk/project_detail/11419/
SICKLE EYE PROJECT: Prevalence of visual impairment due to sickle cell retinopathy and maculopathy in the United Kingdom.
Eye condition/Study type:
Sickle cell disease
Principal Investigator:
Professor Susan Downes
This study aims to investigate how sickle cell disease (SCD) affects vision by damaging the retina. Researchers will assess how common vision loss is in SCD patients, how disease severity influences vision, and the impact on quality of life. The study will involve measuring vision and taking retinal images of 600 people with SCD across the UK. Participants will complete a questionnaire about how vision impairment affects daily activities and their experience with eye clinic visits.
https://studies.ouh.nhs.uk/project_detail/9864/
NOT RECRUITING
GOCART: Immune Responses in Graves’ Orbitopathy
Principal Investigator:
Dr Alexander Clarke
Research summary
Around a quarter of patients with the most common cause of thyroid gland overactivity (Graves' disease) develop a complication known as Graves' orbitopathy (GO). In GO, tissues in the space behind the eyeballs (the orbit) become inflamed, causing pressure to build up. This causes intense pain, restriction of eye movements, and in some cases permanent damage to sight. The pressure causes the eyeballs to bulge forward (proptosis), causing a startled, staring appearance which is disfiguring and a cause of great psychological harm (at least a third develop significant depression and anxiety). Following an initial highly active phase, patients with GO develop long lasting changes in the tissues of the orbit, which means the eyeballs remain projected forwards. Patients may be treated with high doses of steroids, and some require surgery to decompress the orbit, both to save sight and also to improve the appearance of the eyes. It is well established that antibodies targeting a receptor which stimulates the thyroid gland are the cause of its overactivity in Graves' disease. Whilst this antibody is also important in GO, the majority of GD patients do not develop this complication. Why this might be is unknown. We also don't know if different antibodies are important in GO, and whether they are made by inflammatory cells local to the eye. The reason some patients develop long term disfigurement is also not understood. In this project, we will use advanced techniques to analyse the makeup of the inflamed orbit, one cell at a time, from samples taken during decompression surgery. We will look at the antibody producing cells in the orbit and compare them to those in the blood, to see whether they are likely to be driving the disease. We will also look to see how the cells in the orbit are different between the initial and long term phases, and if there are subsets which may be responsible for this progression. Finally, we will perform experiments to see how antibodies and other inflammatory molecules cause changes in fibroblasts, important structural cells of the orbit.
Contact us
Email: ERGO@ouh.nhs.uk
IRAS number
303518
https://studies.ouh.nhs.uk/project_detail/8492/