Research

Illinois Eye Center doctors are proud to be involved in clinical research studies. Our mission is to advance the science of medicine. Our dedicated medical professionals respect our research participants and pride themselves on providing accurate information. We have participated in many studies over the years and are currently enrolling patients in studies. We are proud to partner with sponsor companies to lead the way in the future of medicine. All patients who participate in clinical trials are compensated for their time and travel.

What is a Clinical Trial?

The purpose of clinical trials is to give medical knowledge and research to help treat, diagnose, and possibly prevent a condition. Clinical research involves using human volunteers, and each clinical trial has a list of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Our providers will perform a history and exam to determine if you are a candidate for one of our clinical trials.

Open and Enrolling Trials:

COAST

COAST stands for Clarifying the Optimal Application of SLT Therapy. SLT therapy stands for Selective Laser Therapy and is done on patients with Ocular Hypertension and Mild to Moderate Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. For this study the patients have to be treatment naïve from using glaucoma medications in the past.

This study is being done to compare low energy laser therapy to the standard laser therapy that has been done for 20 years.

Low energy laser therapy may help patients to avoid the need to use eye drop medications for a longer time than if they had standard laser therapy.

The patients are randomly assigned to the treatment for the course of a year. After the first year you will have another laser therapy, then you will be re-randomized for the second year and proceed with treatment per your randomization. Each patient will then be monitored and treated as needed for three more years.

Study Treatments and assessments will be paid for by the sponsor, along with your participation and commitment, with a stipend paid following each visit.

COAST is funded by the National Eye Institute at the National Institutes of Health. The study will be conducted at 20 eye centers around the world and will include approximately 635 patients.

For further information speak to your doctor or ask to speak to the Study Coordinator at your next visit.

Illinois Eye Center Research- Past Trial Participation:

AXIS- Glaucoma, Latanoprost vs Xalatan Topical Medicated Solution, Dr. Rhode; 2001

LEED- Open Angle Glaucoma/Ocular Hypertension, Intraocular Pressure Topical Medication Comparison, Dr. Rhode; 2001

XOHT- Ocular Hypertension, Safety and Efficacy of a Topical Medicated Solution, Dr. Rhode; 2003

FOVISTA- Subfoveal Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Dr. Han & Dr. P Lagouros; 2015

QRK207- Acute Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy, Intravitreal Medication Injection, Dr. Han & Dr. P Lagouros; 2016

ACACIA- Diabetic Macular Edema, Safety and Efficacy of AbiCipar, Dr. Han & Dr. P Lagouros; 2017

ISTENT- Glaucoma, Intraocular Implant vs Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty, Dr. Rhode & Dr. E Lagouros; 2018

IDOSE- Glaucoma, Intraocular Medicated Implant vs Topical Medicated Solution, Dr. Rhode, Dr. E Lagouros; 2018

XEN-45- Glaucoma, Gel Intraocular Stent vs Trabeculectomy Procedure, Dr. Rhode & Dr. E Lagouros; 2018

CHAMP- Childhood Myopia Progression, Dr. Pike & Dr. E Lagouros; 2019

GATHER 2- Geographic Atrophy Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Intravitreal Medication Injection, Dr. Han; Dr. Eyler; 2020

NICOX–470 – Glaucoma, Intraocular Pressure Topical Medication Comparison, Dr. Rhode, Dr. E Lagouros; 2021

UBX1325 – Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Intravitreal Medication Injection , Dr. Han; Dr. Eyler; 2023

What is a Clinical Trial?

Open and Enrolling Trials:

COAST

Illinois Eye Center Research- Past Trial Participation:

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