GlaucomaNCT07780916
Long-Term Clinical Results of Ab-Interno Trabeculotomy in Glaucoma Management
An observational study of Glaucoma and Glaucoma Patient, run by Wuerzburg University Hospital at 1 site in Germany.
Trial summary
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most important risk factor for the development and progression of the disease. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Glaucoma, Glaucoma Patient, GLAUCOMA 1, OPEN ANGLE, D (Disorder)
- What is being tested?
- Ab-interno trabeculotomy
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- How many people
- 200 participants
- Where
- 1 siteGermany
- Study dates
- 3 Dec 2025to 1 Feb 2027
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Patients with glaucoma who underwent ab-interno trabeculotomy (AIT) using the Trabectome device at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Würzburg, between 2019 and 2021. Patients were identified retrospectively through surgical records and invited for a single prospective follow-up visit in order of longest time elapsed since surgery, prioritizing those operated earliest within the inclusion period.
Who may be able to join
- Diagnosis of glaucoma
- Previous ab-interno trabeculotomy (AIT) using the Trabectome device performed at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Würzburg
- Surgery performed between 2019 and 2021
- Ability to provide written informed consent
- Age ≥ 18 years at time of surgery
Who cannot join
- Inability to attend the study visit
- Withdrawal of informed consent
- Insufficient medical records for pre-operative baseline data retrieval
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Eric Schreiner contact
Germany1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
University Hospital Würzburg
Würzburg, Bavaria, 97080
Raoul Verma-Führing, +49 931 20120351, augenklinik@ukw.de
About this study
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most important risk factor for the development and progression of the disease.
Ab-interno trabeculotomy (AIT) using the Trabectome system is a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) that reduces aqueous humor outflow resistance by ablating the trabecular meshwork and the inner wall of Schlemm's canal, thereby lowering intraocular pressure.
Read more
Previous studies have demonstrated good short-term efficacy of this procedure. However, robust long-term data spanning several years remain scarce.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of AIT in glaucoma patients who underwent surgery between 2019 and 2021 at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Würzburg. Patients are invited for a single study visit at which intraocular pressure, visual acuity, anterior chamber angle by gonioscopy, and optic nerve structure by optical coherence tomography (OCT) are assessed. The collected data are compared with pre-operative baseline values obtained from medical records.
The results are intended to improve the assessment of long-term surgical success and to optimize patient selection for this procedure in the future.
Read the detailed description
Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy in which elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) represents the primary modifiable risk factor. Ab-interno trabeculotomy (AIT) with the Trabectome is a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) that reduces IOP by ablating the trabecular meshwork and inner wall of Schlemm's canal, thereby improving aqueous humor outflow.
Previous studies have demonstrated favorable short-term IOP reduction and a good safety profile. However, robust long-term data evaluating sustained surgical success, disease progression, and the need for additional interventions over multiple years are currently lacking.
This single-center, observational study with a retrospective pre-operative baseline and a prospective cross-sectional follow-up visit addresses this knowledge gap. Patients who underwent AIT at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Würzburg, are contacted and invited for a single study visit of approximately 30 minutes.
At this visit, the following assessments are performed:
- Medical history review since the time of surgery
- Visual acuity assessment
- Goldmann applanation tonometry (IOP measurement)
- Slit-lamp biomicroscopy including gonioscopy for the anterior chamber angle
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the optic nerve head and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL)
All examinations are non-invasive, painless, and consistent with routine ophthalmic care. No additional follow-up visits are required beyond this single study contact.
Pre-operative data, including baseline IOP, glaucoma diagnosis, medication use, and surgical details are obtained from existing medical records. These are compared with findings at the study visit to evaluate long-term treatment success.
The study is initiated and funded by the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Würzburg. No external funding or industry sponsorship is involved. The study has been approved by the responsible Ethics Committee with no objections raised.
Approximately 180 participants are planned for enrollment. Data are pseudonymized and stored on password-protected servers. No data transfer to third parties or outside the European Union is performed. Data will be deleted no later than 10 years after study completion.
- Conditions
- Glaucoma, Glaucoma Patient, GLAUCOMA 1, OPEN ANGLE, D (Disorder), Glaucoma Following Surgery, Glaucoma Eye
- Being tested
- Ab-interno trabeculotomy
- Keywords
- Ab-interno trabeculotomy, Trabectome, Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, MIGS, Intraocular pressure, Long-term outcomes, Trabecular meshwork, Glaucoma surgery
- Medical subject headings
- Glaucoma
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Ab-interno trabeculotomyProcedure or surgery
Also called AIT, Trabectome
Ab-interno trabeculotomy (AIT) is a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) performed using the Trabectome device. The procedure ablates the trabecular meshwork and the inner wall of Schlemm's canal via an ab-interno approach, thereby reducing resistance to aqueous humor outflow and lowering intraocular pressure. The surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia and can be combined with cataract surgery. In this observational study, the intervention was performed prior to study enrollment; no surgical intervention is performed as part of the study itself.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| AIT Cohort | Tha AIT cohort consists of glaucoma patients who previously underwent ab-interno trabeculotomy (AIT) using the Trabectome device at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Würzburg. Participants are invited for a single follow-up visit to assess long-term intraocular pressure control, visual acuity, optic nerve status (OCT), and visual field outcomes compared to pre-operative baseline data obtained from medical records. Receives: Procedure: Ab-interno trabeculotomy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Intraocular Pressure (IOP) from Pre-operative Baseline to Follow-up
Mean intraocular pressure (mmHg) measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry at the study visit, compared to pre-operative baseline IOP obtained from medical records. Surgical success is defined as IOP reduction of ≥20% from baseline and/or IOP ≤18 mmHg, with or without anti-glaucomatous medication.
Measured: From pre-operative baseline to single follow-up visit (minimum 4 years, up to 10 years post-surgery)
Secondary outcomes (4)
Change in Number of Intraocular Pressure-Lowering Medications from Pre-operative Baseline to Follow-up
Total number of topical and systemic anti-glaucomatous medications used by the patient at the time of the study visit, compared to the number documented in medical records prior to surgery. Reduction in medication burden is considered an additional indicator of surgical success.
Measured: From pre-operative baseline to single follow-up visit (minimum 4 years, up to 10 years post-surgery)
Visual Acuity at Follow-up
Visual acuity assessed using standardized visual acuity charts at the study visit. Results are recorded in decimal notation and converted to logMAR for analysis. Pre-operative VA is obtained from medical records for comparison.
Measured: At single follow-up visit (minimum 4 years, up to 10 years post-surgery)
Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) Thickness as Measured by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Peripapillary RNFL thickness (µm) assessed by spectral- domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) at the study visit. Global and sectoral RNFL values are recorded. Results are compared to pre-operative OCT data from medical records where available, to evaluate structural progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
Measured: At single follow-up visit (minimum 4 years, up to 10 years post-surgery)
Rate of Surgical Failure Requiring Additional IOP-Lowering Intervention After Ab-Interno Trabeculotomy
Proportion of patients who required additional surgical or laser intervention (e.g., trabeculectomy, tube shunt implantation, selective laser trabeculoplasty) due to insufficient IOP control following AIT. Data obtained retrospectively from medical records. Surgical failure is defined as the need for re-intervention at any time point after the primary procedure.
Measured: From date of surgery to single follow-up visit (minimum 4 years, up to 10 years post-surgery)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted24 Aug 2026
- Study start3 Dec 2025
- Primary completion1 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Feb 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for GlaucomaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 200 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Wuerzburg University Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Raoul Verma-Führing, Wuerzburg University Hospital
- Investigators
- Raoul Verma-Führing, Dr., Principal investigator, Wuerzburg University Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07780916
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 2025-330-dvha
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 18 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 25 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Long-Term Clinical Results of Ab-Interno Trabeculotomy in Glaucoma Management
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07780916
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 2025-330-dvha
- Conditions
- Glaucoma, Glaucoma Patient, GLAUCOMA 1, OPEN ANGLE, D (Disorder), Glaucoma Following Surgery, Glaucoma Eye
- Keywords
- Ab-interno trabeculotomy, Trabectome, Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery, MIGS, Intraocular pressure, Long-term outcomes, Trabecular meshwork, Glaucoma surgery
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 200 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Wuerzburg University HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 3 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Nov 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Feb 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 24 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most important risk factor for the development and progression of the disease.
Ab-interno trabeculotomy (AIT) using the Trabectome system is a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) that reduces aqueous humor outflow resistance by ablating the trabecular meshwork and the inner wall of Schlemm's canal, thereby lowering intraocular pressure.
Previous studies have demonstrated good short-term efficacy of this procedure. However, robust long-term data spanning several years remain scarce.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term outcomes of AIT in glaucoma patients who underwent surgery between 2019 and 2021 at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Würzburg. Patients are invited for a single study visit at which intraocular pressure, visual acuity, anterior chamber angle by gonioscopy, and optic nerve structure by optical coherence tomography (OCT) are assessed. The collected data are compared with pre-operative baseline values obtained from medical records.
The results are intended to improve the assessment of long-term surgical success and to optimize patient selection for this procedure in the future.
Detailed description
Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy in which elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) represents the primary modifiable risk factor. Ab-interno trabeculotomy (AIT) with the Trabectome is a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) that reduces IOP by ablating the trabecular meshwork and inner wall of Schlemm's canal, thereby improving aqueous humor outflow.
Previous studies have demonstrated favorable short-term IOP reduction and a good safety profile. However, robust long-term data evaluating sustained surgical success, disease progression, and the need for additional interventions over multiple years are currently lacking.
This single-center, observational study with a retrospective pre-operative baseline and a prospective cross-sectional follow-up visit addresses this knowledge gap. Patients who underwent AIT at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Würzburg, are contacted and invited for a single study visit of approximately 30 minutes.
At this visit, the following assessments are performed:
- Medical history review since the time of surgery
- Visual acuity assessment
- Goldmann applanation tonometry (IOP measurement)
- Slit-lamp biomicroscopy including gonioscopy for the anterior chamber angle
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the optic nerve head and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL)
All examinations are non-invasive, painless, and consistent with routine ophthalmic care. No additional follow-up visits are required beyond this single study contact.
Pre-operative data, including baseline IOP, glaucoma diagnosis, medication use, and surgical details are obtained from existing medical records. These are compared with findings at the study visit to evaluate long-term treatment success.
The study is initiated and funded by the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Würzburg. No external funding or industry sponsorship is involved. The study has been approved by the responsible Ethics Committee with no objections raised.
Approximately 180 participants are planned for enrollment. Data are pseudonymized and stored on password-protected servers. No data transfer to third parties or outside the European Union is performed. Data will be deleted no later than 10 years after study completion.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| AIT Cohort | – | Procedure: Ab-interno trabeculotomyTha AIT cohort consists of glaucoma patients who previously underwent ab-interno trabeculotomy (AIT) using the Trabectome device at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Würzburg. Participants are invited for a single follow-up visit to assess long-term intraocular pressure control, visual acuity, optic nerve status (OCT), and visual field outcomes compared to pre-operative baseline data obtained from medical records. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Patients with glaucoma who underwent ab-interno trabeculotomy (AIT) using the Trabectome device at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Würzburg, between 2019 and 2021. Patients were identified retrospectively through surgical records and invited for a single prospective follow-up visit in order of longest time elapsed since surgery, prioritizing those operated earliest within the inclusion period.
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Diagnosis of glaucoma
- Previous ab-interno trabeculotomy (AIT) using the Trabectome device performed at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Würzburg
- Surgery performed between 2019 and 2021
- Ability to provide written informed consent
- Age ≥ 18 years at time of surgery
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Inability to attend the study visit
- Withdrawal of informed consent
- Insufficient medical records for pre-operative baseline data retrieval
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Ab-interno trabeculotomyAlso: AIT, TrabectomeAb-interno trabeculotomy (AIT) is a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) performed using the Trabectome device. The procedure ablates the trabecular meshwork and the inner wall of Schlemm's canal via an ab-interno approach, thereby reducing resistance to aqueous humor outflow and lowering intraocular pressure. The surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia and can be combined with cataract surgery. In this observational study, the intervention was performed prior to study enrollment; no surgical intervention is performed as part of the study itself. | Procedure or surgery | AIT Cohort |
Primary outcome
Change in Intraocular Pressure (IOP) from Pre-operative Baseline to Follow-up
Time frame: From pre-operative baseline to single follow-up visit (minimum 4 years, up to 10 years post-surgery)
Mean intraocular pressure (mmHg) measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry at the study visit, compared to pre-operative baseline IOP obtained from medical records. Surgical success is defined as IOP reduction of ≥20% from baseline and/or IOP ≤18 mmHg, with or without anti-glaucomatous medication.
4 secondary outcomes
Change in Number of Intraocular Pressure-Lowering Medications from Pre-operative Baseline to Follow-up
Time frame: From pre-operative baseline to single follow-up visit (minimum 4 years, up to 10 years post-surgery)
Visual Acuity at Follow-up
Time frame: At single follow-up visit (minimum 4 years, up to 10 years post-surgery)
Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL) Thickness as Measured by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Time frame: At single follow-up visit (minimum 4 years, up to 10 years post-surgery)
Rate of Surgical Failure Requiring Additional IOP-Lowering Intervention After Ab-Interno Trabeculotomy
Time frame: From date of surgery to single follow-up visit (minimum 4 years, up to 10 years post-surgery)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Eric Schreiner contact
Raoul Verma-Führing, Dr. principal investigator
Wuerzburg University Hospital
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Glaucoma and Glaucoma Patient, run by Wuerzburg University Hospital at 1 site in Germany.
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 5 inclusion and 3 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Aug 2026. 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 Germany. 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. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Raoul Verma-Führing, Dr. (+49 931 20120458, augenklinik@ukw.de), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Intraocular Pressure (IOP) from Pre-operative Baseline to Follow-up (time frame: From pre-operative baseline to single follow-up visit (minimum 4 years, up to 10 years post-surgery)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 25 Aug 2026.