Biochemical Factors for a Dry Eyed Population (GARNET)

February 12, 2009 updated by: University of Waterloo
The purpose of this study is to compare various symptoms and signs of dry-eye as well as stratify characteristics of the tear film in a group of dry-eyed individuals in comparison to a group of non-dry-eyed people. Dry-eye is a condition that significantly impacts the quality of life of the sufferer. These are people who are predominantly female and in the older age groups. Determining what characterises a person with dry-eyes is of importance to understanding the disease process.

Study Overview

Status

Completed

Conditions

Detailed Description

Dry eye is a multifactorial disease that results in a wide variety of signs and symptoms, which are often poorly correlated. Recent work has shown that not only are there changes in the composition of the tear film (including cytokines and the presence of various mucin species and tear film proteins) but also quantifiable changes in both the structure and function of the ocular surface, including corneal sensitivity and the appearance of the epithelial cells and the sub-basal neural network. To-date, no published study has attempted to correlate various clinical and morphological changes found in dry eye with tear film and ocular surface biomarkers.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Actual)

40

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

    • Ontario
      • Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L3G1
        • Centre for Contact Lens Research, School of Optometry

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

50 years to 75 years (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Genders Eligible for Study

Female

Sampling Method

Probability Sample

Study Population

community sample

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

A person is eligible for inclusion in the study, for the dry eye group or control, if she:

  1. Is Caucasian, and has full legal capacity to volunteer.
  2. Is post-menopausal, with menses ceasing more than 12 months ago.
  3. Has moderate or severe dry eye symptoms based on dry eye questionnaire and half of the time wants to use eye drops for dry eye symptoms (dry eye group)
  4. Has read, understood and signed an information consent letter.
  5. Is willing and able to follow instructions and maintain the appointment schedule.
  6. Has clear corneas and no active ocular disease.
  7. Has had an ocular examination in the last two years.

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Is on hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
  2. Ceased menses due to autoimmune disorders, mumps, chemotherapy, pelvic irradiation or smoking.
  3. Has rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Sjogren's syndrome or any other systemic disease affecting ocular health.
  4. Is using any systemic or topical medications (other than eye drops for dry eye symptoms) that may affect ocular health and neuroendocrine system function.
  5. Has undergone corneal refractive surgery.
  6. Is aphakic.
  7. Has any active ocular disease.
  8. Has known sensitivity to the diagnostic pharmaceuticals to be used in the study.
  9. Is participating in any other type of clinical or research study.
  10. Is a contact lens wearer.
  11. Has blepharitis.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Collaborators

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Desmond Fonn, M.Optom, University of Waterloo

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start

May 1, 2007

Primary Completion (Actual)

September 1, 2007

Study Completion (Actual)

September 1, 2007

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

August 29, 2007

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

August 29, 2007

First Posted (Estimate)

August 30, 2007

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Estimate)

February 16, 2009

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

February 12, 2009

Last Verified

February 1, 2009

More Information

Terms related to this study

Other Study ID Numbers

  • P/263/07/L

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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