Could a tiny zap to the face soothe chronic eye pain?
NCT ID NCT07166848
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 21, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This pilot study tests whether a non-invasive electrostimulation device can relieve symptoms of chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease, a painful eye condition that can occur after a stem cell transplant. Fifteen participants will receive either real or sham stimulation on their cheeks and forehead for 30 minutes over 10 sessions. The goal is to see if the treatment reduces eye discomfort and helps regenerate corneal nerves.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- electrostimulation device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a non-drug way to reduce eye pain and dryness in people with chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study with only 15 people, so results may not apply widely. The treatment is still experimental and may not provide lasting relief.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 15 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2025
- Expected to finish
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Nov 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 75 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of chronic ocular graft vs. host disease (oGVHD) (ICCGVHD criteria probable or definite) * OSDI score of 22 or higher * NEI corneal staining score (or modified NEI score) of 2 or higher. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with any open wound on the eyelid. * Patient with any active cornea ulcer, dacryocystitis, hordeolum, filamentary keratitis, uveitis, retinal detachment, uncontrolled glaucoma or other active pathology per PI's discretion. * Patient with a pacemaker or ICD. * Patient currently pregnant or with a potential to be pregnant during the study. * Patient undergoing any ocular surgical procedure (including intravitreal injections) within the past 3 months. * Patient undergoing any systemic surgical procedures within 2 months. * Patient undergoing any non-surgical eyelid procedure such as punctal plugs or punctal cautery within 1 month of study initiation. * Patients on cytotoxic agents, drugs that inhibit peripheral nerve regeneration (i.e. Gabapentin, Nicotine), radiation therapy, or any other therapy per PI's discretion. * Patients undergoing immunosuppression regimen change within 1 month of study initiation and/or during the study period. * Patient who wears contact lens of any kind
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
The full official record for this study. This one lists no contact details, but it is the first place any would appear.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Massachusetts Eye and Ear - Longwood Campus
Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
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