Clinical Trials
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Slade & Baker Vision Center is constantly being sought out by device and pharmaceutical companies to conduct clinical trials in order to help them gain FDA approval. Often, patients who are eligible for these clinical trials receive significant discounts for their participation. Current clinical trials being conducted at Slade & Baker Vision Center are listed below. Please call our office to learn more.
Current Cataract Surgery Trials
UPDATE: This study has completed enrollment.
Approximately 500 men and women will participate in this study. During this study, patients will have a 66% (2/3) chance of receiving a Light Adjustable Lens, and a 33% (1/3) chance of receiving a commercially available monofocal IOL. Patients will need to return to the doctor’s office for evaluation over a 6-month period.
This is a randomized, controlled clinical study to further evaluate an FDA-approved intraocular lens (IOL), the RxSight® Light Adjustable Lens™ (LAL). The LAL allows your doctor to adjust the power of the lens after it has been implanted in your eye to improve distance vision.
You may qualify for this study if:
- You are between 40 and 80 years of age
- You currently have a cataract
- No previous eye surgery such as PRK or RK
A formal consent process and eye exam are required before decisions can be made about your enrollment and willingness to be involved with this study. Once enrolled, evaluation and surgical costs will be processed through the study participants health insurance. Participants may receive up to $450.00 compensation for travel and their time.
If you think you may qualify, please call 713-626-5544 to schedule your cataract evaluation.
UPDATE: This study has completed enrollment
This is a 6-month randomized, controlled clinical study investigating the safety and effectiveness of the RxSight® Light Adjustable Lens™ in subjects undergoing bilateral cataract surgery and IOL implantation who desire an extended depth of focus.
The Light Adjustable Lens is the first and only FDA-approved IOL that can be adjusted postoperatively to improve uncorrected visual acuity. First, routine cataract surgery is performed, the Light Adjustable Lens is implanted, and then approximately 2-3 weeks after surgery, the Light Delivery Device (LDD) is used to adjust the lens based on the manifest refraction. For this trial, RxSight (the manufacturer of the LAL) has developed a light treatment pattern that is designed to extend the depth of focus and improve intermediate and near vision in patients looking to address post-operative presbyopia. We are excited to be part of this clinical trial that may lead to FDA approval for this indication.
The following is a brief summary of the study inclusion/exclusion criteria:
- Age 40 to 80
- Patient must have cataracts in both eyes
- BCDVA of 20/40 or worse in both eyes
- No previous eye surgery such as: LASIK, PRK or RK
- Preoperative keratometric cylinder < 0.75 D in one or both eyes
- Average dilated pupil diameter of ≥ 7.0 mm in both eyes
- No significant ocular morbidity (including preexisting macular disease) or previous intraocular surgery in either eye
- No current use of photosensitizing systemic medications such as doxycycline, chloroquine, amiodarone, and hydrochlorothiazide
Patients who pass the screening are enrolled and then randomized to either receive the control monofocal IOL or the Light Adjustable Lens (LAL). Both eyes will be targeted for best distance vision. The control monofocal IOL (Bausch & Lomb LI61AO) is designed to give one range of vision. Currently, the LAL is approved to provide one range of vision. However, in this trial, a new light adjustment has been designed to give patients extended depth of focus (EDF). This could provide patients with distance vision, intermediate vision, and some near vision.
For those who get randomized to receive the LAL, patients will be required to wear UV protective glasses (provided by the study) at all waking hours until the patient is cleared to stop. The LAL requires multiple visits, “adjustments”, to provide the necessary light treatments.
Both lens options will have similar follow up schedules, however the control IOL requires fewer visits since it is not an adjustable lens.
Laser Eye Surgery Clinical Trials
UPDATE: This study has completed enrollment.
This LASIK study was for patients who are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism. In this study, we used a new, custom LASIK treatment pattern. The treatment pattern had been approved in Europe and we were assisting in gaining its approval in the US.
The early results were impressive, with a significant reduction in the cost of LASIK provided to patients for their participation. Qualifying patients were 18 years of age or older.
Cornea Surgery Clinical Trials
UPDATE: This study has completed enrollment.
Purpose
Corneal Crosslinking (CXL) is an investigational treatment for Keratoconus patients and Post Lasik Ectasia patients that experience corneal thinning after Refractive Surgery. This trial is studying if this one-time treatment will strengthen the cornea so that the progression of Keratoconus and Corneal Ectasia is slowed or stopped.
Background
Corneal Collagen Crosslinking (CXL) has been proven in studies outside of the US to strengthen a weakened corneal structure, as in keratoconus. CXL is currently in the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clinical trials to seek FDA approval.
Keratoconus/Effects
The cornea is the clear membrane that covers the colored part of the eye and pupil. The cornea is the “window” of the eye and is the most powerful lens in the eye as well. Keratoconus is a corneal disease that causes structural changes within the cornea causing the cornea to thin and bulge outward into a steeper, irregular, more conical shape than its normal gradual curve.
Keratoconus can cause substantial visual loss of vision, image distortion, streaking of lights, sensitivity to light, and multiple images, etc. Keratoconus affects about one person in a thousand, and yet the exact cause of it is uncertain. It has been associated with genetic factors and linked to detrimental abnormal enzyme activity in the cornea; however, the findings are still inconclusive.
Many patients with keratoconus may be treated with corrective lenses, glasses, contact lenses, intrastromal corneal ring segments, and as a last resort, corneal transplantation. In order to stabilize the cornea, keep the keratoconus from progressing, and even avoid having to have a corneal transplant, many patients now have chosen to travel around the world to have corneal collagen crosslinking, also known as “CXL.”
Goal
Crosslinking (CXL) has been shown to increase the number of corneal crosslinks within the cornea. These links are like the natural anchors in the cornea and are responsible for preventing the cornea from bulging outwards and becoming steep and irregular.
The goals of crosslinking are to stop the progression of keratoconus, decrease the severity of the corneal bulging, and allow the patient to continue or resume contact lens wear. By decreasing the severity of the corneal bulging, doctors are better able to fit the patient for contact lenses.
Study Parameters
You may be eligible for this study if you are 12 years of age or older and have been diagnosed with Keratoconus or diagnosed with Corneal Ectasia after refractive surgery (e.g. LASIK, PRK). There are specific inclusion and exclusion criteria that patients must meet in order to be considered participants in the clinical trial. We will be happy to discuss these with you.
Procedure
The crosslinking treatment is an outpatient procedure performed in the surgical laser suite using numbing eye drops. During this study, the surgeon uses an ultraviolet-A illumination device (UVA light treatment), called the KXL system in combination with VibeX (vitamin B2) eye drops to treat the cornea (front of the eye). First, in the Epithelial Off procedure, the outer layer of the cornea, the epithelium, is prepared for the procedure.
If a patient is having the Epithelial On procedure, this step is skipped. Next, vitamin B2 (riboflavin) eye drops are instilled in the eye, and the patient is asked to look at an ultraviolet light while lying comfortably in a reclining chair. The entire procedure generally takes only a few minutes. The patient’s eyes are numbed through the use of anesthetic drops.
After Treatment
Postoperatively, most patients start to notice the effects in their vision 4-8 weeks after the traditional (epithelial-off) procedure and the final effects usually take 3-6 months. Every patient is different, visual results may differ.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CORNEAL CROSSLINKING (CXL) PLEASE VISIT OUR CROSSLINKING PAGE BY CLICKING HERE.
- Please visit the National Keratoconus Foundation’s website to see all the approved CXL sites in the United States.
| UPDATE: This study has completed enrollment. This was a multi-center, randomized, double-masked, prospective, parallel-arm study of subjects with Corneal Edema Secondary to Corneal Endothelial Dysfunction. |
Other Clinical Trials
UPDATE: This study has completed enrollment.
Itchy eyes and runny nose from seasonal allergies? Do you have allergies in the fall?
Join our upcoming study at Slade & Baker Vision Center in Houston. We are currently enrolling participants to evaluate a new investigational eye drop for treating the signs and symptoms of eye allergies!
Starting soon, Slade & Baker Vision Center in Houston is conducting an allergy study to evaluate how effective a new eye drop is at treating the signs and symptoms of ragweed allergies. If you experience allergy symptoms in the fall and are at least 18 years old, you may qualify to participate.
The study involves 5 office visits over the course of approximately 5 to 8 weeks and you may be compensated up to $350 for your time. Participants will need an allergy skin test prior to enrollment in the study and allergy skin tests will be provided at no cost. For more information and to find out if you may qualify, contact 713-626-5544!
Completed or Approved Trials
This study has completed enrollment.
We have teamed up with RxSight to participate in a clinical trial for a revolutionary cataract lens. We are currently recruiting patients who have had previous refractive surgery (LASIK, LASEK) and are in need of cataract surgery. The revolutionary lens allows us to use a Light Delivery Device (LDD) to adjust any leftover prescription following your cataract surgery. You will be required to attend timely post-operative visits and may be compensated up to $600.
Please understand this is a 2-step process and you’re not guaranteed to qualify until you have met both steps. If you think you may qualify, please call 713 626 5544 to schedule your cataract evaluation.
Please click here for more info on RxSight.
This study has completed enrollment.
If you have been diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes, you may qualify for a clinical study that is investigating wavefront measurement technology during cataract surgery.
This research study involves evaluating wavefront measurements captured during cataract surgery against traditional cataract surgery methods.
This study might be a good fit for you if:
- Are 22 years of age or older;
- Have been diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes;
- Are qualified to have toric lenses implanted in both eyes;
- Have not had any previous eye surgeries;
- Be willing to comply with the follow-up visits
A formal consent process and ocular screening are required before decisions can be made about your enrollment and willingness to be involved with this study.
This study has completed enrollment.
Slade & Baker Vision is currently conducting a medical research study for people who have at least one eye that has impaired vision, who don’t see well or may not be able to see at all even with glasses or contacts.
The purpose of this study is to collect data on the basic safety and function of an investigational laser when used on people’s eyes. Participation would involve laser surgery on your eye with limited vision and at least 7 visits to our clinic.
You may qualify to participate in this research study IF:
- You are at least 22 years of age or older
- You have limited vision in at least one of your eyes
- Your eye with a limited vision:
- Has not had previous surgery on the front of the eye (the cornea)
- Has not had cataract surgery
This study has completed enrollment.
You may qualify to take part in a clinical research study to evaluate an investigational Laser procedure called PRK that may help your vision.
If you are at least 18 years of age or older and have been diagnosed with nearsightedness (with or without astigmatism) in both eyes, you may qualify to participate in this study. Your participation could last up to 2 years and include several study visits.
If eligible, study-related surgery and examinations by an Ophthalmologist will be provided to you at no cost. Additionally, you may receive payment for your time and travel expenses.
UPDATE: This study has completed enrollment and SMILE for nearsightedness (myopia) is now FDA approved and available at Slade & Baker Vision!
Carl Zeiss Meditec and Slade & Baker Vision Center are now conducting a research study on a new laser procedure, SMILE, designed to correct nearsightedness and astigmatism. If you’re not sure if you’re nearsighted, farsighted, or have astigmatism, give us a call. We are always happy to help you figure it out!
If you qualify for the study, pre and post-operative care would be provided at no cost to you.
SMILE is an alternative to LASIK and designed to accomplish the same visual result as the LASIK procedure. SMILE was finally approved in the US in 2016 after it had been approved in the rest of the world for years!
You may qualify for this study if:
- You have nearsightedness with astigmatism
- You are at least 22 years of age
- You have had no previous eye surgery, significant trauma, or infections in either of your eyes.
- You have a pair of glasses that are at least 1 year old
- You are in good general health
- You are willing to take your contact lenses out several weeks before surgery.
If you qualify for this study, one eye will be done with SMILE and the other eye will be done with LASIK, all at no charge.
Current & Future Clinical Trials
If you are interested in participating in a current or future clinical trial, please let us know by filling out the details below!
