Research

Contact Lens and Solution Studies

Contact lenses are extremely useful devices for treating a wide range of eye conditions. Since these devices are placed directly on the cornea (the outer layer) of the eye, contact lenses have both therapeutic and corrective abilities, such as correcting vision by adjusting the refraction and re-shaping the cornea of the eye for conditions like keratoconus. Our lab has had multiple investigator-initiated and sponsor-related clinical studies for soft contact lenses, scleral lenses, orthokeratology lenses, contact lens solutions, and combination studies of contact lens and solutions. The goal of our research is to improve the quality, comfort, safety, and effectiveness of contact lens and solutions for a wide-range of eye conditions.

Past studies:

  • Scleral contact lens insertion solution (link to publication)
  • Evaluation of multiple soft contact lenses and two solutions types (link to publication)
  • Eyewash water flow direction study: An evaluation of the effectiveness of eyewash devices with opposite directional water flow (link to publication)
  • Clinical Evaluation of 3 contact lens materials with 3 solution types
  • Daily wear scleral contact lens design study
  • Orthokeratology lens study – A prospective study to compare lenses having two different proximity control designs for overnight wear for treatment of naturally occurring myopia
  • Comparison of functional vision with progressive addition spectacle wear and multifocal contact lenses in Presbyopic Patients (link to publication)
  • Driving performance and road sign identification by multifocal contact lens wearers in a driving simulator (link to publication)
  • FDA study of novel monthly replacement lens

Dry Eye

Dry eye is very common and, while no definitive cure exists for symptoms of dry eye, many treatment options are available. Recent research of the tear’s lipid-layer thickness (see Publications for more information) has led our research group’s interest in the development and clinical testing of new and innovative treatments for dry eye symptoms of various causes.  The iVERG lab has the capability of measuring the thickness of the tear lipid layer using a Stroboscopic Video Color Microscope (SVCM), an instrument created by Dr. Ewen King-Smith at The Ohio State University College of Optometry.

Past studies:

  • Tear Lipid Layer Thickness with Emollient Eye Drops (link to publication)
  • Changes in Tear Lipid Layer Thickness following the use of artificial tears with and without Omega-3 fatty acids:  A randomized, double-masked, crossover study  (link to publication)
  • Tear Lipid Layer Thickness Changes with Use of Systane® Complete (link to publication)

Myopia (Nearsightedness)

Myopia is the condition in which the eye grows too long and alters how light enters the eye, creating blurry vision at a distance. As myopia progresses in severity, our eyes can become susceptible to more serious conditions such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts in older age. Despite the risks associated with myopia, there is currently no drug treatment option available to treat the progression of myopia. Our lab has an ongoing interest in this disease, particularly as it relates to children, whose eyes will continue to grow and develop until they are in late adolescence and are most susceptible to significant progressions of myopia.

Current studies:

  • Childhood Atropine for Myopia Progression (CHAMP)  (link to publication)
  • The CHAPERONE Study: Reduction of Myopia Progression – currently enrolling, more information can be found on our Current Studies page.
  • MiSight 1 Day Post-Approval Study for Effectiveness and Visual Symptoms – enrollment is complete, no longer enrolling subjects

Acute and Chronic Eye Diseases

Ocular Graft vs. Host Disease (oGVHD)

After a bone marrow transplant, at least 60% of patients diagnosed with chronic graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) experience inflammatory symptoms in their eyes, symptoms of which include severe eye pain, dryness, irritation, burning, and light sensitivity. Ocular GVHD can be treated with eye drops that are used for more common conditions, such as dry eye, but given the unique nature of this condition, these treatments do not offer sustaining, lasting relief of symptoms.

Past studies:

  • Brimonidine Tartrate Nanoemulsion Eye Drops in Patients with ocular Graft-vs-Host Disease (oGVHD)