Can a donor lens implant restore clarity to clouded corneas?

NCT ID NCT04642729

First seen Jul 29, 2026 · Last updated Jul 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial investigates whether implanting a fresh corneal lenticule — a thin layer of donor cornea taken from myopic patients — can improve transparency and vision in people with macular corneal dystrophy, a condition that clouds the cornea. Using a femtosecond laser, surgeons remove damaged tissue and replace it with a healthy lenticule carrying live keratocytes. The study will measure changes in corneal clarity and visual acuity over time.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
fresh corneal lenticule implantation using Relex-Smile surgery
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a new way to restore corneal clarity and vision in people with macular corneal dystrophy, potentially reducing the need for full corneal transplants.
What could go wrong
This is a very small, early-stage trial with only 15 participants. The procedure is experimental, and risks include infection, graft rejection, or no improvement in vision.

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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

Locations

  • Eye Hospital Pristina

    Pristina, 10000, Kosovo