Clinical Trials

Contact Sandy Barnhart, MPH at (919) 843-0076 or Cynthia Aurrichio, OD at (919) 843-0087 for details regarding clinical trials in the UNC Department of Ophthalmology.

RETINA CLINICAL TRIALS - Ongoing Recruitment

Diabetic Macular Edema / Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network

1. DRCR M: Effect of Diabetes Education during Retinal Opthalmology Visits on Diabetes Control

This study is to assess whether glycemic control (assessed with HbA1c measurement) in individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes can be improved with a point-of-care measurement of HbA1c in the ophthalmologist’s office combined with a personalized risk assessment for diabetic retinopathy and other complications of diabetes.

Dry AMD  / Home Vision Monitoring in AREDS2 for Progression to Neovascular AMD Using the ForeSeeHome Device / Notal Vision, LTD.

This study is to determine if home monitoring using the comprehensive visual field and telemedicine solution based on the ForeseeHome device in patients with Dry AMD (referred to as the ForeseeHome comprehensive solution) at high risk of progression to neovascular AMD improves detection of progression to choroidal neovascularization (CNV) when compared with standard care.  The study will last until December 2012 or until 1 year after the first wet AMD treatment is administered, whichever is longer.

Studies In Progress (no longer enrolling):

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 currently last until at least 2013.

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.

Wet AMD / Pazopanib and Lucentis® Study / GlaxoSmithKline

This study is evaluting the effectiveness of Pazopanib drops in reducing the number of required Lucentis® injections.  Subjects must have received 3 consecutive injections, and still be able to benefit from additional injections.  Vision must be between 20/32 and 20/320 in the study eye.  Study visits will take place every 28 days and for 52 weeks, followed by a safety visit 2 weeks after the final study visit.

Diabetic Macular Edema / Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network

1. 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 5 years.
2. 2. 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.