Can a common Anti-Inflammatory eye drop slow diabetic vision loss?
NCT ID NCT04505566
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 21, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study tests whether ketorolac, an anti-inflammatory eye drop, can reduce inflammation in the eyes of people with diabetic retinopathy and slow the disease. About 164 adults with type 2 diabetes will use either the active drop or a placebo for up to 3 years. Researchers will measure inflammatory markers and track changes in retinopathy severity.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Ketorolac 0.45% ophthalmic solution (anti-inflammatory eye drop)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple eye drop treatment to slow vision loss from diabetic retinopathy.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early Phase 1 study with a small number of participants, so results may not apply broadly. The eye drops may not reduce inflammation enough to change disease progression.
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
-
Phase 1
The first testing in people. Mainly checks safety and dose, usually in a small group.
- Participants
-
164 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Nov 2020
- Finished
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Apr 2026
- Lead sponsor
-
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
-
18 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Aim 1 Diabetic Arm Inclusion Criteria: Adult patients age 18 years or greater with type II diabetes. * Aim 1 Nondiabetic Control Arm Inclusion Criteria: age-matched patients without diabetes who are undergoing unilateral vitrectomy surgery for non-inflammatory conditions such as epiretinal membrane or macular hole. * Aim 2 Inclusion Criteria: Adult patients age 18 years or older with type II diabetes, with baseline moderate NPDR and HbA1c ≥ 8. Exclusion Criteria: * Aim 1 Diabetic Arm Exclusion Criteria: Patients with a history of previous vitrectomy in either eye; prior intravitreal injection within 3 months; co-existent macular, retinovascular, or inflammatory disease; history of ocular trauma; aphakia; presence of an anterior chamber intraocular lens; current use of prescription systemic NSAIDs or regular use of nonprescription NSAIDs including aspirin (defined as 4 days or more a week for at least 2 weeks a month); blood pressure \> 180/110 mmHg; risk for corneal melting; and inability to comply with follow-up. * Aim 1 Nondiabetic Control Arm Exclusion Criteria: Patients who are unable to comply with testing and follow-up. * Aim 2 Exclusion Criteria: Patients with a history of previous vitrectomy in either eye; prior intravitreal injection within 3 months; co-existent macular, retinovascular, or inflammatory disease; history of ocular trauma; aphakia; presence of an anterior chamber intraocular lens; current use of prescription systemic NSAIDs or regular use of nonprescription NSAIDs including aspirin (defined as 4 days or more a week for at least 2 weeks a month); blood pressure \> 180/110 mmHg; risk for corneal melting; and inability to comply with follow-up.
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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
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States
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