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.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
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