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Investigator Initiated Research
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Ophthalmology faculty, fellows, and residents also initiate and conduct their own clinical research. Ongoing investigator initiated studies include:
IRB-HSR # 12417: A retrospective review of cases of age related macular degeneration treated with intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (Avastin®).
This study tests the hypothesis that an intravitreal injection of Avastin® often leads to improvement in an individual's visual acuity. Investigators are also analyzing whether or not the recurrence of swelling on optical coherence tomography can be used to predict when another injection of Avastin® is needed.
IRB-HSR # 12629: Optical coherence tomography findings in central and branch retinal artery occlusion
This study assesses the initial findings of central and branch retinal artery occlusion (blood clot which slows or stops blood from reaching the retina, ultimately stopping blood circulation and leading to vision loss) on optical coherence tomography. In addition, this study aims to use the findings to help in the diagnosis of possible central and branch retinal artery occlusions in unknown causes of vision loss.
IRB-HSR # 12775: Prognostic Optical Coherence Tomography Findings in Macular Edema with Cystoid Changes
This study investigates patients with the cystoid macular edema (CME) subtype of macular edema who have undergone evaluation by optical coherence tomography (OCT) at initial presentation and follow up. The OCT findings will be analyzed and correlated with visual outcome in an effort to identify OCT predictors of visual outcome in CME. CME is one of the leading causes of vision loss in patients with diabetes and diabetic retinopathy.
IRB-HSR # 12798: The Effect of Lubricating eye Drops on Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging of the Retina
This study investigates the effect of lubricating eye drops on the quality of images obtained by optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCT is an imaging modality that is used on a daily basis in an ophthalmology practice. It has proven to be extremely useful in the diagnosis and management of patients with eye disorders such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. Often, patients with dry eyes have suboptimal OCT imaging that can not be reliably interpreted. This study assesses the value of artificial tears in improving the quality of OCT imaging in such situations.
IRB-HSR # 13331: Autoimmune Retinopathy: case reports and OCT findings
This study addresses patients with autoimmune retinopathy, a rare disease characterized by circulating antibodies against retinal cells and antigens. If not recognized, this leads to blindness and may sometimes be associated with cancer. In most patients, the eye exam is normal except for decreased vision. In particular, this study attempts to identify early markers of this disease using a relatively new imaging modality of the retina called optical coherence tomography (OCT). The aim is to establish early signs of this disease by OCT that will allow early diagnosis and treatment.
IRB-HSR # 13418: Lucentis: a new approach to treatment
In this clinical trial, patients newly diagnosed with wet age-related macular degeneration will be treated with Lucentis (ranibizumab) injections inside the eye on an as needed basis, according to strict criteria, instead of the standard monthly injections. The hope is to reduce the risks and costs associated with monthly injections, without compromising the outcome.
This study is currently enrolling patients. For more information, please contact the Clinical Research Coordinator, Kristina Holbrook, at (434) 243-2852 or klh7v@virginia.edu.
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