Could a common antioxidant eye drop delay corneal transplant surgery?
NCT ID NCT04440280
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase 2 trial is testing whether N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) eye drops can reduce oxidative stress in the eyes of people with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), a condition that often leads to corneal transplant. The study will enroll 45 adults with advanced FECD who are already scheduled for corneal transplant surgery. Participants will use NAC eye drops for 28 days before surgery, and researchers will measure hydrogen peroxide levels in eye fluid during surgery to see if the drops lower oxidative damage.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) eye drops
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could lead to a simple eye drop treatment that slows or prevents the need for corneal transplant surgery in Fuchs dystrophy patients.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 45 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The eye drops are used short-term before surgery, and it is unclear if they will provide lasting benefit or replace the need for surgery.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for FUCHS ENDOTHELIAL CORNEAL DYSTROPHY are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
-
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can eye drops offer a new way to treat fuchs dystrophy?
- Fuchs dystrophy and cataract surgery: does the cornea behave differently?
- Which corneal transplant is best? 1,000-Patient study aims to find out
- Corneal polishing study aims to improve cell therapy for fuchs dystrophy
- New eye drops aim to speed vision recovery after cornea surgery
- New lens aims to sharpen sight after dual eye surgery