RECRUITINGOBSERVATIONAL

Study of Corneal Biomechanics in Glaucoma Patients Using Brillouin Microscopy

Development of Robust Corneal Biomechanical Biomarkers for Glaucoma Using Brillouin Microscopy

About This Trial

This pilot study evaluates the biomechanical properties of the cornea in glaucoma patients using Brillouin microscopy, a non-contact imaging technique. The study aims to compare corneal stiffness between patients with normal-tension glaucoma, high-tension glaucoma, and healthy controls, and to assess changes in corneal biomechanics following intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering treatment. The goal is to determine whether Brillouin-derived biomechanical measurements can serve as biomarkers for glaucoma risk and progression.

Who May Be Eligible (Plain English)

Who May Qualify: \- Age 18 years or older Diagnosis of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) or no history of glaucoma (for controls) Open angle on gonioscopy (Shaffer grade 3 or 4) Best-corrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better Refractive error between +3.00 and -5.00 diopters No prior use of topical glaucoma medications Diagnosis of: High Tension Glaucoma (IOP ≥ 22 mmHg on 3 visits) Normal Tension Glaucoma (IOP ≤ 21 mmHg on 3 visits) OR age-matched control with normal optic nerve and visual fields Who Should NOT Join This Trial: Corneal abnormalities or conditions interfering with Brillouin or applanation tonometry Retinal diseases affecting RNFL (e.g., macular traction) History of ocular surgery or laser Diagnosis of diabetes History of uveitis History of prolonged steroid use Neurodegenerative or systemic diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, schizophrenia) Unreliable visual fields Contraindications to beta blockers (e.g., bradycardia, severe pulmonary disease) Moderate to severe glaucoma (per Hodapp-Anderson-Parrish criteria) History of contact lens use Low blood pressure Always talk to your doctor about whether this trial is right for you.

Original Eligibility Criteria

View original clinical language

Inclusion Criteria: \- Age 18 years or older Diagnosis of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) or no history of glaucoma (for controls) Open angle on gonioscopy (Shaffer grade 3 or 4) Best-corrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better Refractive error between +3.00 and -5.00 diopters No prior use of topical glaucoma medications Diagnosis of: High Tension Glaucoma (IOP ≥ 22 mmHg on 3 visits) Normal Tension Glaucoma (IOP ≤ 21 mmHg on 3 visits) OR age-matched control with normal optic nerve and visual fields Exclusion Criteria: Corneal abnormalities or conditions interfering with Brillouin or applanation tonometry Retinal diseases affecting RNFL (e.g., macular traction) History of ocular surgery or laser Diagnosis of diabetes History of uveitis History of prolonged steroid use Neurodegenerative or systemic diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, schizophrenia) Unreliable visual fields Contraindications to beta blockers (e.g., bradycardia, severe pulmonary disease) Moderate to severe glaucoma (per Hodapp-Anderson-Parrish criteria) History of contact lens use Low blood pressure

Treatments Being Tested

DRUG

Prostaglandin Analogue -Containing IOP-Lowering Therapy

Subjects with glaucoma may be prescribed prostaglandin analogs as part of their clinical care. This group will be observed longitudinally to assess changes in corneal biomechanics.

DRUG

Beta Blocker

Subjects with glaucoma may be prescribed topical beta blockers as part of their clinical care. This group will be observed longitudinally to assess changes in corneal biomechanics.

DEVICE

Brillouin Microscopy

Brillouin microscopy is a non-contact optical imaging method used to assess the biomechanical properties of the cornea in vivo with three-dimensional resolution. It will be used to evaluate corneal stiffness in all study subjects.

Locations (1)

University of Maryland School of Medicine

Baltimore, Maryland, United States