Could vitamin B2 and sunlight replace costly eye surgery?
NCT ID NCT03095235
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether taking vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and getting natural sunlight could strengthen the cornea in people with keratoconus, a condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge. The approach aimed to be a simpler, cheaper alternative to the standard cross-linking procedure. The study planned to enroll 30 participants but was terminated early, so results are limited.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
dietary riboflavin (vitamin B2)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could provide a simple, low-cost way to stabilize the cornea in keratoconus patients, reducing the need for expensive procedures.
What could go wrong
This was a very small, early study that was terminated, so results are limited. It is not yet proven to be as effective as the standard cross-linking procedure.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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University of South Florida Department of Ophthalmology
Tampa, Florida, 33612, United States