Investigation in Corneal Sensation and Contact Lens Wear

NCT ID: NCT04804592

Last Updated: 2022-03-17

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

Get a concise snapshot of the trial, including recruitment status, study phase, enrollment targets, and key timeline milestones.

Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

111 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2021-05-01

Study Completion Date

2021-12-20

Brief Summary

Review the sponsor-provided synopsis that highlights what the study is about and why it is being conducted.

The aim is to find out more about how corneal sensory fibres react to different types of stimuli (liquid / tactile / nylon thread) and how this can be consciously perceived by the individual. Is it possible to generate a stimulus that delivers a repeatable and reliable response within a useful stimulus force range which allows an interpretation / evaluation of normal / expected activity of superficial nerve fibres in the cornea? The study group will be divided into three groups of individuals: two groups with different types of contact lenses (CL) and one without CL, as sensitivity changes are thought to occur with CL wear. A very interesting research question is to find out, if such sensitivity differences can be detected with the nature of the stimuli applied in this study.

Detailed Description

Dive into the extended narrative that explains the scientific background, objectives, and procedures in greater depth.

The aim of this study is to gain more physiological knowledge about ocular surface sensation (corneal sensitivity), with application of three different concepts employing different types of stimuli for triggering a response from the pain sensitive nerve endings in the superficial cornea: 1) tactile method: a round plastic nozzle (2 mm diameter) is applied to the ocular surface with a defined, low force for a duration of 100ms. 2) liquid jet method: a liquid jet (isotonic saline) of a temperature to match ocular surface temperature is applied to the ocular surface with low pressure and low volume, from a distance of 15 mm.3) commercially available Cochet Bonnet esthesiometer (nylon thread). The study group will be divided into three groups of individuals: two groups with different types of contact lenses (CL) and one without CL, as sensitivity changes are thought to occur with CL wear. A very interesting research question is to find out, if such sensitivity differences can be detected with the nature of the stimuli applied in this study.

Current knowledge about human corneal sensitivity is limited, as applied methods for ocular surface sensation measurement are limited with regards to reproducibility / accuracy.

Corneal sensitivity represents a neurological response from the free nerve endings within the epithelium. They are sensitive to mechanical, electrical, chemical or thermal stimuli and hence have a protective function for the cornea. Corneal nerves play an important role in cell growth and proliferation of epithelial cells, wound healing and repair. In experimental studies, corneal denervation has been reported to result in epithelial changes: increased permeability, decreased proliferation, changed appearance and delayed wound healing. Therefore, intact corneal innervation is required to maintain the integrity of a normal corneal epithelium. Corneal sensory nerves are believed to play an important role in maintaining the resting tear flow, as their afferent impulses from the ocular surface lead to a reflex response, best described by the lacrimal functional unit: an integrated system comprising the ocular surface tissues (cornea, corneal limbus, conjunctiva, conjunctival blood vessels, and eyelids), the tear secreting components (main and accessory lacrimal glands, meibomian glands, conjunctival goblet, and epithelial cells), and the sensory and motor nerves that connect them.

Current knowledge about ocular surface sensitivity is insufficient, as currently available measurement possibilities lack repeatability and accuracy. Before a new instrument can be developed, more research is required, in order to find a suitable concept for precise sensitivity measurement. For this purpose, two new different concepts with different / new stimulus types will be applied repeatably on healthy eyes in this study. The aim is to find out more about how corneal sensory fibres react to different types of stimuli (liquid / tactile / nylon thread) and how this can be consciously perceived by the individual. Is it possible to generate a stimulus that delivers a repeatable and reliable response within a useful stimulus force range which allows an interpretation / evaluation of normal / expected activity of superficial nerve fibres in the cornea? The study group will be divided into three groups of individuals: two groups with different types of contact lenses (CL) and one without CL, as sensitivity changes are thought to occur with CL wear.

Conditions

See the medical conditions and disease areas that this research is targeting or investigating.

Cornea Sense Loss; Cornea

Study Design

Understand how the trial is structured, including allocation methods, masking strategies, primary purpose, and other design elements.

Allocation Method

NON_RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

Primary Study Purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Blinding Strategy

NONE

Study Groups

Review each arm or cohort in the study, along with the interventions and objectives associated with them.

Group A: SiHy CL

Silicone hydrogel (SiHy) CL wear at least 3 days per week and at least 8 hours per day;

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Tactile Esthesiometer Prototype

Intervention Type DEVICE

A round plastic nozzle (1.8mm diameter) used as a stimulus for corneal sensation threshold measurement

Liquid Jet Esthesiometer Prototype

Intervention Type DEVICE

Balanced salt solution with a pH value similar to the tear film uesd as a liquid jet stimulus for corneal sensation threshold measurement

Cochet Bonnet esthesiometer

Intervention Type DEVICE

A nylon thread (0.12mm diameter) used as a stimulus for corneal sensation threshold measurement

Group B: RGP CL

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) CL wear at least 3 days per week and at least 8 hours per day;

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Tactile Esthesiometer Prototype

Intervention Type DEVICE

A round plastic nozzle (1.8mm diameter) used as a stimulus for corneal sensation threshold measurement

Liquid Jet Esthesiometer Prototype

Intervention Type DEVICE

Balanced salt solution with a pH value similar to the tear film uesd as a liquid jet stimulus for corneal sensation threshold measurement

Cochet Bonnet esthesiometer

Intervention Type DEVICE

A nylon thread (0.12mm diameter) used as a stimulus for corneal sensation threshold measurement

Group C: no CL wear

No current CL wear for at least 3 months;

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Tactile Esthesiometer Prototype

Intervention Type DEVICE

A round plastic nozzle (1.8mm diameter) used as a stimulus for corneal sensation threshold measurement

Liquid Jet Esthesiometer Prototype

Intervention Type DEVICE

Balanced salt solution with a pH value similar to the tear film uesd as a liquid jet stimulus for corneal sensation threshold measurement

Cochet Bonnet esthesiometer

Intervention Type DEVICE

A nylon thread (0.12mm diameter) used as a stimulus for corneal sensation threshold measurement

Interventions

Learn about the drugs, procedures, or behavioral strategies being tested and how they are applied within this trial.

Tactile Esthesiometer Prototype

A round plastic nozzle (1.8mm diameter) used as a stimulus for corneal sensation threshold measurement

Intervention Type DEVICE

Liquid Jet Esthesiometer Prototype

Balanced salt solution with a pH value similar to the tear film uesd as a liquid jet stimulus for corneal sensation threshold measurement

Intervention Type DEVICE

Cochet Bonnet esthesiometer

A nylon thread (0.12mm diameter) used as a stimulus for corneal sensation threshold measurement

Intervention Type DEVICE

Eligibility Criteria

Check the participation requirements, including inclusion and exclusion rules, age limits, and whether healthy volunteers are accepted.

Inclusion Criteria

Group A:

Silicone hydrogel (SiHy) CL wear at least 3 days per week and at least 8 hours per day; 18 - 50 years of age; healthy eyes with OSDI \</= 13

Group B:

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) CL wear at least 3 days per week and at least 8 hours per day; 18 - 50 years of age; healthy eyes with OSDI \</= 13

Group C:

No current CL wear for at least 3 months; 18 - 50 years of age; healthy eyes with OSDI \</= 13

Exclusion Criteria

* Systemic disease that may affect ocular health, such as diabetes
* Injury and history of operations on the anterior segment of the eye
* regular application of systemic or ocular medication known to affect the tear film, specifically on the day of measurement
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

50 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sponsors

Meet the organizations funding or collaborating on the study and learn about their roles.

Daniela Nosch

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

Identify the individual or organization who holds primary responsibility for the study information submitted to regulators.

Daniela Nosch

Professor

Responsibility Role SPONSOR_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

Learn about the lead researchers overseeing the trial and their institutional affiliations.

Daniela S Nosch, PhD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW

Locations

Explore where the study is taking place and check the recruitment status at each participating site.

Institute of Optometry, FHNW

Olten, Canton of Solothurn, Switzerland

Site Status

Countries

Review the countries where the study has at least one active or historical site.

Switzerland

References

Explore related publications, articles, or registry entries linked to this study.

Belmonte C, Acosta MC, Gallar J. Neural basis of sensation in intact and injured corneas. Exp Eye Res. 2004 Mar;78(3):513-25. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2003.09.023.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 15106930 (View on PubMed)

Bergenske PD, Polse KA. The effect of rigid gas permeable lenses on corneal sensitivity. J Am Optom Assoc. 1987 Mar;58(3):212-5.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 3471806 (View on PubMed)

Knoll HA, Williams J. Effects of hydrophilic contact lenses on corneal sensitivity. Am J Optom Arch Am Acad Optom. 1970 Jul;47(7):561-3. doi: 10.1097/00006324-197007000-00007. No abstract available.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 5270397 (View on PubMed)

Millodot M. Does the long term wear of contact lenses produce a loss of corneal sensitivity? Experientia. 1977 Nov 15;33(11):1475-6. doi: 10.1007/BF01918817.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 923715 (View on PubMed)

Muller LJ, Marfurt CF, Kruse F, Tervo TM. Corneal nerves: structure, contents and function. Exp Eye Res. 2003 May;76(5):521-42. doi: 10.1016/s0014-4835(03)00050-2.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 12697417 (View on PubMed)

Golebiowski B, Chao C, Stapleton F, Jalbert I. Corneal Nerve Morphology, Sensitivity, and Tear Neuropeptides in Contact Lens Wear. Optom Vis Sci. 2017 Apr;94(4):534-542. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000001063.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 28338565 (View on PubMed)

Stapleton F, Chao C, Golebiowski B. Topical Review: Effects of Contact Lens Wear on Corneal, Conjunctival, and Lid Margin Sensitivity. Optom Vis Sci. 2019 Oct;96(10):790-801. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000001429.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 31592962 (View on PubMed)

Golebiowski B, Papas EB, Stapleton F. Factors affecting corneal and conjunctival sensitivity measurement. Optom Vis Sci. 2008 Apr;85(4):241-6. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0b013e3181694f96.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 18382334 (View on PubMed)

Stapleton F, Golebiowski B, Skotnitsky C, Tan ME, Holden BA. Corneal and conjunctival sensitivity in intolerant contact lens wearers. J Optom. 2015 Jan-Mar;8(1):62-3. doi: 10.1016/j.optom.2014.05.004. Epub 2014 Jun 7. No abstract available.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 25649641 (View on PubMed)

Golebiowski B, Papas EB, Stapleton F. Corneal and conjunctival sensory function: the impact on ocular surface sensitivity of change from low to high oxygen transmissibility contact lenses. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2012 Mar 9;53(3):1177-81. doi: 10.1167/iovs.11-8416.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 22281824 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

Review additional registry numbers or institutional identifiers associated with this trial.

2021-00438

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

More Related Trials

Additional clinical trials that may be relevant based on similarity analysis.