Plastic implants in the eye could delay corneal transplants for keratoconus patients
NCT ID NCT02138669
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests INTACS prescription inserts, small plastic implants placed in the cornea, to reduce astigmatism and improve vision in people with keratoconus. The goal is to help patients who can no longer see well with glasses or contacts and may otherwise need a corneal transplant. Researchers will measure changes in vision, astigmatism, and corneal shape in 25 adults 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
- INTACS prescription inserts (plastic corneal implants)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this device could help people with keratoconus see better without glasses or contacts and delay or avoid the need for a corneal transplant.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small study (25 people) with no comparison group, so results may not apply to everyone. The device is already approved for humanitarian use, but benefits may vary and risks like infection or implant issues exist.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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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
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UTSW Medical Center at Dallas
RECRUITINGDallas, Texas, 75390, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a simple eyeglass test sharpen vision in keratoconus?
- Can a donor corneal lenticule patch up a thinning cornea?
- A piece of your own cornea might patch a thinning one — a trial puts it to the test
- Can a simple eye treatment stop the need for a corneal transplant?
- Eye insert could ease allergy symptoms for contact lens wearers
- Promising new eye treatment could halt vision loss from keratoconus