Can a donor corneal disc heal scarred eyes from herpes?
NCT ID NCT05156151
First seen Jul 29, 2026 · Last updated Jul 30, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether implanting a thin disc of donor cornea tissue — called a stromal lenticule — can improve corneal transparency and vision in people with herpetic stromal keratitis, a herpes infection that scars the cornea. The lenticule contains stem cells and other living cells that may help stabilize and clear the scarred tissue. The study includes 35 participants with low corneal transparency, poor vision, or recurrent flare-ups.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a corneal stromal lenticule (a thin disc of donor cornea tissue containing stem cells, keratocytes, and telocytes) implanted into the eye
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this approach could offer a way to restore corneal clarity and vision in people with scarring from herpes-related eye inflammation.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 35 participants. The procedure involves eye surgery, which carries risks such as infection, graft rejection, or worsening vision.
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 35 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2017
- Expected to finish
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Jan 2027
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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21 to 46 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: * low transparenc of cornea * low visual acuity * recurrence of herpetic stromal keratitis Exclusion Criteria: * previous corneal or anterior segment surgery * any infection
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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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Eye Hospital Pristina
Pristina, 10000, Kosovo