Clinical Trials

Contact Sandy Barnhart at (919) 843-0076 for details regarding clinical trials in the UNC Department of Ophthalmology.

Studies In Progress:

AMD Wet / AREDS2 Study / National Eye Institute

This study is to evaluate the effect of formulated vitamins in high supplemental doses on the progression to advanced AMD.  Subjects must either have large drusen in both eyes or large drusen in one eye and advanced AMD in the fellow eye.  Participation will last for approximately 5 years. 

Diabetic Macular Edema / Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network

1. Intravitreal Ranibizumab or Triamcinolone Acetonide in Combination with Laser Photocoagulation for Diabetic Macular Edema
This is a study that is comparing laser, triamcinolone, and ranibizumab (Lucentis®) for the treatment of DME.  Vision in the study eye must be between 20/32 and 20/320.  The study will last three years.  During the first year, follow-up visits will be every 4 weeks.  There is also a visit during the first week of the study.  During years 2 and 3, follow-up visits will be every 4 weeks as long as injections of the study drug are still being received.  Once injections are no longer given, follow-up visits will be every 4 months. 

2. Intravitreal Ranibizumab or Triamcinolone Acetonide as Adjunctive Treatment to Panretinal Photocoagulation for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
This is a study that is comparing laser, triamcinolone, and ranibizumab (Lucentis®) for the treatment of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).  Vision in the study eye must be between 20/32 and 20/320.  The study will last about one year.  You will have follow-up visits at 1, 4, 14, 34, and 56 weeks. 

RETINA CLINICAL TRIALS - Ongoing Recruitment

CMV Retinitis / National Institutes of Health (LSOCA Study)

This is an observational study that investigates the effects of AIDS on the eye. Study subject must have a documented history of AIDS. This is a long term study that will last for at least 4 years.

Diabetic Macular Edema / Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network

1. A Pilot Study in Individuals with Center-Involved DME Undergoing Cataract Surgery (Protocol P)
This is an observational study that is looking at how cataract surgery affects the eyes in diabetic patients with center involved macular edema.  The study will last for 4 months following cataract surgery.

2. An Observational Study in Individuals with Diabetic Retinopathy without Center-Involved DME Undergoing Cataract Surgery (Protocol Q)
This is an observational study that is looking at how cataract surgery affects the eyes in diabetic patients without center involved macular edema.  The study will last 4 months following cataract surgery. 

AMD Wet/CATT Study

This is a study comparing Lucentis ® and Avastin ® for the treatment of newly diagnosed wet age related macular degeneration. Vision must be between 20/25-20/320. The study will follow patients for 2 years.

Upcoming Enrollment:

Diabetic Macular Edema / Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network

1. Intravitreal Ranibizumab for Vitreous Hemorrhage from PDR Study (Protocol N)
This is a study to find out if an injection of Lucentis® through the vitreous (white part of the eye) can reduce the amount of bleeding in the vitreous enough to avoid surgery.  The study will last one year.  Follow-up visits will be at 4, 8, 12, and 52 weeks. 

AMD / Glaxo Study

This is a study that will investigate whether or not anti-VEGF drops will help reduce the need for repeated injections.  Patients must be actively receiving Lucentis® and Avastin® injections.  Follow-up visits will be every 4 weeks for approximately 1 year.