NCT07810569Not yet recruiting
Ocular Surface Changes and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Rheumatologic Patients
Ocular Surface Changes and Meibomian Gland Dysfunction in Rheumatologic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Last updated 9 Sept 2026
Brief summary (registry, in English)
This observational study aims to assess the frequency and severity of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and associated ocular surface changes in patients with systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases compared with healthy volunteers. Meibomian glands are specialized glands in the eyelids that produce the lipid layer of tears, preventing tear evaporation. Systemic inflammation in rheumatologic conditions may affect these glands, leading to dry eye symptoms and ocular surface damage. A total of 150 participants (120 rheumatologic patients and 30 healthy controls) will be evaluated in a single cross-sectional examination. Rheumatologic diagnoses include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Sjogren's Syndrome, Ankylosing Spondylitis, and Psoriatic Arthritis. Participants will undergo a standardized series of non-invasive and minimally invasive eye examinations, including: * An ocular symptom questionnaire (Ocular Surface Disease Index) * Non-contact infrared meibography to assess meibomian gland loss (Meiboscore) * Non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) and tear meniscus height measurements * Slit-lamp biomicroscopy and corneal fluorescein staining The study also examines how meibomian gland alterations correlate with systemic disease activity scores and inflammatory blood markers.
- Status (registry)
- Not yet recruiting
- Study type
- Observational
- Enrollment
- 150 (estimated)
- First submitted
- 3 Sept 2026
- Start date
- Oct 2026
- Primary completion date
- Oct 2027
- Lead sponsor
- Assiut University
- Diseases
- Psoriasis, Sjögren's disease, Lupus (SLE), Ankylosing spondylitis, Psoriatic arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis
- NCT number
- NCT07810569
What you commit to
- Study type: Observational
- Planned participants: 150
- From Oct 2026 to the primary completion date, Oct 2027
- No sites listed in no country
- Visits and tests: ask the trial team, the registry does not list them
Built from the registry fields of ClinicalTrials.gov. It describes the study, not your situation.
Who cannot take part
Copied verbatim from ClinicalTrials.gov and grouped by topic. Only the trial team decides who can take part.
Prior treatment
- Ocular surgery within the past 6 months
Other illness
- Active ocular infection or active uveitis
- History of ocular chemical burns
Lab values
- Incomplete rheumatologic records or missing essential laboratory data
Other
- Chronic use of topical antiglaucoma eye drops
- Contact lens wearers who have not discontinued wear for at least 2 weeks
- Pregnancy or lactation
Who the study is looking for
- Age 18 years or older
- Ability to provide written informed consent
- For rheumatologic patients: Confirmed clinical diagnosis of one of the following autoimmune diseases:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria)
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (2019 EULAR/ACR classification criteria)
- Sjogren's Syndrome (2016 ACR/EULAR classification criteria)
- Ankylosing Spondylitis (modified New York criteria)
- Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR criteria)
- For healthy controls: Age- and sex-matched individuals with no systemic autoimmune disease and no current ocular surface complaints
Age in the registry: 18 years to - · Sex: All
This page is information, not medical advice. Discuss any trial with your doctor.