Measuring Corneal Stiffness in People with Glaucoma Using Brillouin Microscopy
Uses a non-contact eye imaging method to measure corneal stiffness in people with glaucoma.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Study of Corneal Biomechanics in Glaucoma Patients Using Brillouin Microscopy
Key facts
- Where
- Baltimore, United StatesSee the site
Where in United States
- University of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimore, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Maryland, Baltimore
- Trial code
- NCT06993597
- Record updated
- 10 August 2026
- Original description
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.Read full original descriptionShow less
Development of Robust Corneal Biomechanical Biomarkers for Glaucoma Using Brillouin Microscopy
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.
Inclusion: 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: 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); Contraindications to beta blockers (e.g., bradycardia, severe pulmonary disease); History of contact lens use; Unreliable visual fields; Moderate to severe glaucoma (per Hodapp-Anderson-Parrish criteria); Low blood pressure.