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Refractive ErrorOmega-3NCT01059019

Epithelial Healing and Visual Outcomes Using Omega-3 Therapy Before and After Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Surgery

A study testing Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements in people with Refractive Error, run by University of California, San Diego at 1 site in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that omega-3 supplement can be use as an adjunct therapy for PRK patients. The investigators believe that omega-3 supplement will reduce the size of persistent epithelial defects (PEDS) and eventually hasten the corneal reepithelialization after PRK surgery. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 28 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Refractive Error
What is being tested?
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements
Type of treatment
Pill or oral medicine
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
17 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
Jan 2010to May 2011
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 28 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Male or female candidate for PRK with refractive error of -1.00 to -6.00
  • Male or female 18- 28 (may consider increasing this range) years old and >60 years old post cataract surgery for enhancement.
  • Patients without history of diabetes.
  • Patients without history of hemorrhagic stroke.
  • Patient without history of blood dyscrasia.
  • Patient without history of diarrhea, abdominal bloating, and indigestion.
  • Patient without history of peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Who cannot join

  • Male or female < 18 years old for PRK.
  • Male or female with a refractive error < -1.00 or >-6.00
  • Patient with history of diabetes.
  • Patient with history of hemorrhagic stroke.
  • Patient with history of Blood dyscrasia.
  • Patient with history of peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
  • Patient with history of diarrhea, abdominal bloating and indigestion.
  • Pregnant women and women that are lactating (nursing mothers)

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

United States1 site
  • UCSD Shiley Eye Center

    La Jolla, California, 92037

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: Epithelial Healing and Visual Outcomes of Patients Using Omega-3 Supplements as an Adjunct Therapy Before and After Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Surgery

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that omega-3 supplement can be use as an adjunct therapy for PRK patients. The investigators believe that omega-3 supplement will reduce the size of persistent epithelial defects (PEDS) and eventually hasten the corneal reepithelialization after PRK surgery. If the outcome of this study proves to be effective, then PRK would be a more attractive option to those seeking refractive treatment.

Read the detailed description

Dry eye and persistent epithelial defects (PEDS) following LASIK and PRK are one of the most common conditions encountered by refractive surgeons and their patient's today.¹-⁴ They are associated with significant clinical morbidity in patients resulting in minor problems such as discomfort, to extreme debilitation such as visual loss. There is no accepted definition of persistent epithelial defect (PED) that includes a time period of recovery. We favor the definition given in one text "… when the epithelium fails to re-grow over a defect within the expected time course.⁵ The causes of PED are diverse, with several definite etiologies' including dry eyes, limbal stem cell deficiency, diabetes mellitus and neurotrophic problems. A variety of treatment modalities have been described for PED. The elimination of predisposing associated risk remains a key factor in the management process. Therefore, to prevent and manage this common disorder it is important to have an understanding of the pathophysiology of dry eye after LASIK and PRK. This includes and understanding of the relationship and interaction between inflammation, sensory denervation and essential fatty acid pathways. Reports of clinical efficacy of anti-inflammatory therapies for treatment of dry eye disease provide direct proof of the principle that inflammation is involved in the etiology of dry eye disease. Research has shown that the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are some of the most effective natural anti inflammatory agents available. The active ingredients in omega 3, EPA ( Eicosapentanoic acid ) which is a 20 carbon omega 3-fatty acid with 5 double-bonds , and DHA ( docosahexanoic acid )which is 22 carbon omega-3 fatty acid with 6 double bond, both found in certain fish oils enhance the conversion of COX ( cyclooxygenase) to prostaglandin E3. A natural anti inflammatory agent, prostaglandin E3 competitively inhibits the effects of the arachidonic acid conversion to prostaglandin E2, a highly inflammatory substance. Prostaglandin E3 also inhibits the synthesis of TNFα and IL-1β, both of which are inflammatory leukotrienes, also by competitive inhibition.⁶ʹ⁷ By decreasing inflammation and stimulating aqueous tear production in rabbits cAMP has been shown to stimulate aqueous tear secretion in dry eye. Furthermore, by decreasing inflammation and augmenting oil and water layers of the tear film, omega-3 supplementation with fish oil rich in EPA may improve both the lipid and aqueous component of the tear film. This may improve surgical outcomes by stabilizing the tear film, reducing epithelial defects and promoting wound healing

Being tested
Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements
Keywords
Refractive Surgery, PRK, Photorefractive Keratectomy, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Cornea
Medical subject headings
Refractive Errors, Corneal Diseases

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acid SupplementsDietary supplement

    Also called TheraTears, Omega 3

    Twenty patients labeled as group A (Control Group) will not receive the omega-3 supplement. The Control Group will be treated in the same standard professional way as our normal refractive patients, while another 20 patients labeled as group B (Treatment group) will be given omega- 3 supplements 1 capsule 3 x a day for 2 weeks pre op and 1 month post op plus the regular post op medications. From these supplements, this will be equivalent to 750 mg of omega 3 fatty acids (both EPH and DHA), 1000 mg of Flaxseed oil, and about 183 IU of vitamin E per day. Patients will be asking to follow up postoperatively after 2 days, 4 days, 1 week, 3 months and 6 months

Study groups in NCT01059019
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
ControlSham comparatorTwenty patients labeled as group A (Control Group) will not receive the omega-3 supplement. The Control Group will be treated in the same standard professional way as our normal refractive patients.
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements
TreatmentExperimental20 patients labeled as group B (Treatment group) will be given omega- 3 supplements 1 capsule 3 x a day for 2 weeks pre op and 1 month post op plus the regular post op medications. From these supplements, this will be equivalent to 750 mg of omega 3 fatty acids (both EPH and DHA), 1000 mg of Flaxseed oil, and about 183 IU of vitamin E per day
Receives: Dietary Supplement: Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Visual acuity, tear break up time, and corneal uptake will be assessed. Photographs will be taken. Calculation of the area in diameter will be assessed using Adobe Photoshop. Comparisons between each group will be made.

    Measured: 2 and 4 days, 1 week, 3 and 6 months.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted29 Jan 2010 (estimated)
  2. Study startJan 2010
  3. Primary completionMay 2011
  4. Study completionMay 2011

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Supportive care
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Participant
Enrolment
17 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT01059019
Sponsor's protocol ID
091487
Acronym
Omega-3
Status last verified
Jun 2013
First submitted
28 Jan 2010
Last updated
21 Jun 2013
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No

Publications

  • Kanellopoulos AJ, Pallikaris IG, Donnenfeld ED, Detorakis S, Koufala K, Perry HD. Comparison of corneal sensation following photorefractive keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis. J Cataract Refract Surg. 1997 Jan-Feb;23(1):34-8. doi: 10.1016/s0886-3350(97)80148-4.

    PubMed 9100105
  • Linna TU, Vesaluoma MH, Perez-Santonja JJ, Petroll WM, Alio JL, Tervo TM. Effect of myopic LASIK on corneal sensitivity and morphology of subbasal nerves. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2000 Feb;41(2):393-7.

    PubMed 10670467
  • Chuck RS, Quiros PA, Perez AC, McDonnell PJ. Corneal sensation after laser in situ keratomileusis. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2000 Mar;26(3):337-9. doi: 10.1016/s0886-3350(99)00416-2.

    PubMed 10713225
  • Albietz JM, Lenton LM, McLennan SG. Effect of laser in situ keratomileusis for hyperopia on tear film and ocular surface. J Refract Surg. 2002 Mar-Apr;18(2):113-23. doi: 10.3928/1081-597X-20020301-02.

    PubMed 11934197
  • Poon AC, Geerling G, Dart JK, Fraenkel GE, Daniels JT. Autologous serum eyedrops for dry eyes and epithelial defects: clinical and in vitro toxicity studies. Br J Ophthalmol. 2001 Oct;85(10):1188-97. doi: 10.1136/bjo.85.10.1188.

    PubMed 11567963
  • Maroon JC, Bost JW, Borden MK, Lorenz KM, Ross NA. Natural antiinflammatory agents for pain relief in athletes. Neurosurg Focus. 2006 Oct 15;21(4):E11. doi: 10.3171/foc.2006.21.4.12.

    PubMed 17112189
  • Afonso AA, Sobrin L, Monroy DC, Selzer M, Lokeshwar B, Pflugfelder SC. Tear fluid gelatinase B activity correlates with IL-1alpha concentration and fluorescein clearance in ocular rosacea. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1999 Oct;40(11):2506-12.

    PubMed 10509643
  • Prabhasawat P, Tseng SC. Frequent association of delayed tear clearance in ocular irritation. Br J Ophthalmol. 1998 Jun;82(6):666-75. doi: 10.1136/bjo.82.6.666.

    PubMed 9797670
  • Macsai MS. The role of omega-3 dietary supplementation in blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction (an AOS thesis). Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc. 2008;106:336-56.

    PubMed 19277245
  • Kotani N, Hashimoto H, Kushikata T, Yoshida H, Muraoka M, Takahashi S, Matsuki A. Intraoperative prostaglandin E1 improves antimicrobial and inflammatory responses in alveolar immune cells. Crit Care Med. 2001 Oct;29(10):1943-9. doi: 10.1097/00003246-200110000-00016.

    PubMed 11588457
  • Narumiya S, Sugimoto Y, Ushikubi F. Prostanoid receptors: structures, properties, and functions. Physiol Rev. 1999 Oct;79(4):1193-226. doi: 10.1152/physrev.1999.79.4.1193.

    PubMed 10508233
  • Pholpramool C. Secretory effect of prostaglandins on the rabbit lacrimal gland in vivo. Prostaglandins Med. 1979 Sep;3(3):185-92. doi: 10.1016/0161-4630(79)90102-2.

    PubMed 233220
  • Gilbard JP, Rossi SR, Heyda KG, Dartt DA. Stimulation of tear secretion by topical agents that increase cyclic nucleotide levels. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 1990 Jul;31(7):1381-8.

    PubMed 2365569
  • Ambrosio R Jr, Wilson SE. Complications of laser in situ keratomileusis: etiology, prevention, and treatment. J Refract Surg. 2001 May-Jun;17(3):350-79. doi: 10.3928/1081-597X-20010501-09.

    PubMed 11383767
  • Saad HA, Terry MA, Shamie N, Chen ES, Friend DF, Holiman JD, Stoeger C. An easy and inexpensive method for quantitative analysis of endothelial damage by using vital dye staining and Adobe Photoshop software. Cornea. 2008 Aug;27(7):818-24. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0b013e3181705ca2.

    PubMed 18650669

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplements in people with Refractive Error, run by University of California, San Diego at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 7 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Jun 2013. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Visual acuity, tear break up time, and corneal uptake will be assessed. Photographs will be taken. Calculation of the area in diameter will be assessed using Adobe Photoshop. Comparisons between each group will be made. (time frame: 2 and 4 days, 1 week, 3 and 6 months.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT01059019, which also lists 15 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 21 Jun 2013.

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