Clinical trials evaluate new drugs, medical devices and treatment regimes to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. At Colorado Eye Consultants we are focused on clinical trials that offer treatment for various eye diseases.
Why Participate?
Not everyone can participate in a clinical trial, but finding volunteers is very important! Clinical trials are at the heart of all medical advances. Clinical trials look at new ways to prevent, detect or treat disease. The goal of a clinical trial is to determine if a new test or treatment works and is safe.
Some people say they participate in research to help others and to contribute to moving science forward- others not only participate for future generations but choose to participate to possibly receive the newest treatment and to have the additional care and attention that comes from being in a clinical research trial.
What do I need to know?
-Clinical trials may involve risk, as can routine medical care as well as daily living activities can. Most clinical trials pose the risk of minor discomfort, which lasts only a short time. The specific risks associated with a research trial are described in detail in the Informed Consent Form, a document that you will go over and be asked to sign prior to participation. Before deciding to participate, carefully consider the risk and possible benefits.
-Many clinical trials are randomized and involve a Placebo, or inactive medication. Generally, the patient as well as the trial doctor will not know what the patient is randomized to during the trial. Randomization creates treatment groups that are alike as possible so the data from the control group (placebo) can be compared to the group on the trial medication. This comparison provides the best way to prove the safety and efficacy of a new medication.
Current Clinical Trials:
Epithelium on Crosslinking
Cross-linking with Ultraviolet-A light
This study is to evaluate the results of Epithelium on corneal Crosslinking in patients who have Keratoconus, Ectasia and other corneal disease.
There are three treatment groups of varying times and intensities of UVA light. There is NO placebo treatment.
Main Inclusion/Exclusion
Must be eight years of age or older
Cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding
Cannot be enrolled in any other ophthalmic clinical trials
Participation will last one year, with visit occurring every three months.
Patients will not be compensated for time and travel.
Call the clinical research department for pricing information at 720-709-7533 or 720-709-7523.
Our research department participates in multiple dry eye disease studies throughout the year. These studies are no cost to the patient and, typically, patients are compensated for their time and travel costs. The studies look at the efficacy of investigational ophthalmic medication vs. placebo.
Trial of the efficacy of investigational ophthalmic medication vs. placebo in the treatment of Dry Eye disease associated with Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome.
Main Inclusion/Exclusion
Must have a documented history or current diagnosis of Primary Sjogren’s Syndrom
Trial of suppressive valacyclovir vs Placebo in immunocompetent patients who suffer of complications of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus.
The purpose of this trial is to determine if one year of a low dose of valacyclovir reduces complications of shingles affecting the eye surface such as infection of the eye, inflammation of the eye, and postherpetic neuralgia (ongoing pain after the shingles infection goes away).
Main Inclusion/Exclusion
Must have a current or past (within one year) diagnosis of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus
Cannot have a history of vaccination against zoster within one month prior to enrollment
Cannot be on systemic antivirals with activity against herpes for any reason except for treatment of Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus
Participation will last approximately 18-21 months. The trial will include eight scheduled visit occurring every three months for 18 months. Medication will be administered at home for up to 18 months.
There is no cost to participate in the trial. Compensation will not be provided.
A gradual, age-related loss of the eyes’ ability to focus actively on nearby objects.
Expected enrollment start: Spring 2020
Upcoming: Atopic Keratoconjunctivitis
Atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the eye. This study will evaluate the efficacy of Dupilumab injections to treat AKC. Dupilumab is approved for the treatment of a variety of allergic diseases but has not been studied for the treatment of AKC.
Meet the Primary Investigator
Dr. S. Lance Forstot is a board-certified ophthalmologist and founding partner of Colorado Eye Consultants. Dr. Forstot has been recognized as one of the nation’s top doctors of ophthalmology including being selected in “the best doctors in America” (1996-current). With over 4 decades of experience working in ophthalmology, Dr. Forstot is one on the top leaders in corneal treatment including clinical research. Dr. Forstot has a vast knowledge of clinical research, and alternative treatments for patients who are experiencing issues such as keratoconus disease, dry eye disease, presbyopia and many other disorders.
Dr. Forstot is supported by a clinical research team with almost two decades experience and include a certified clinical research coordinator as well as a certified optometry technician.
