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:

Description of COAST Research Study at Illinois Eye Center

The Illinois Eye Center is proud to participate in an important research study called COAST (Clarifying the Optimal Application of SLT Therapy). This study focuses on Selective Laser Therapy (SLT), a treatment that has been used for over 20 years on patients with Ocular Hypertension and Mild to Moderate Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. SLT therapy offers a potential alternative to traditional glaucoma medications by helping to lower eye pressure.

Purpose of the Study

The primary goal of the COAST study is to determine the most effective application of SLT therapy. Specifically, the study aims to compare two approaches:

  1. Repeating SLT therapy only when its effects wear off.
  2. Administering a low-energy SLT booster treatment once a year.

By investigating these methods, the study hopes to identify which approach better helps patients avoid the need for glaucoma medications.

Eligibility and Participation

To qualify for the COAST study, patients must be treatment naïve, meaning they have not previously used glaucoma medications. Interested participants will receive a comprehensive eye examination to confirm their eligibility.

Study Procedures

Once enrolled, participants will undergo SLT therapy at standard energy levels in both eyes. After the first year, participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups:

  • One group will receive low-energy SLT therapy annually.
  • The other group will receive standard-energy SLT therapy only when the initial treatment’s effects diminish.
Study Duration and Benefits

The COAST study spans four years. All study-related treatments and assessments will be covered by the study sponsor. Additionally, participants will receive a stipend following each visit to compensate for their time and commitment.

Funding and Scope

COAST is funded by the National Eye Institute at the National Institutes of Health. The study is a global effort, conducted across 30 eye centers worldwide and involving 790 patients.

Contact Information

For more information, speak with your doctor or ask to speak to the Illinois Eye Center Study Coordinator during your next visit. Your participation could contribute to groundbreaking advancements in glaucoma treatment and patient care.

Description of iStar Implantable Medical Eye Device Study

iStar, a European-based company, in collaboration with your doctor, is conducting a research study to evaluate the efficacy of an implantable medical eye device designed to help lower eye pressure in patients with Mild to Moderate Primary Open Angle Glaucoma. The potential use of this device may enable patients to avoid the need for eye drop medications.

Purpose of the Study

The primary aim of this study is to determine how effectively the iStar implantable device can assist in reducing eye pressure in glaucoma patients. By providing an alternative to traditional eye drop medications, this device could offer a new treatment option for managing glaucoma.

Study Enrollment and Phases

The study will enroll a total of 1,030 subjects, divided into two phases:

  • The first phase will include 200 subjects.
  • The second phase will expand to include an additional 830 patients.

The study will take place across multiple locations in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Study Procedures

Participants in this study will undergo pre-surgical and post-surgical visits to ensure proper placement and initial assessment of the device. Following these visits, participants will be seen every three months for up to 48 months to evaluate the device’s effectiveness in lowering eye pressure.

Study Duration and Benefits

This is a four-year study, during which all study-related treatments and assessments will be covered by the sponsor. Participants will also receive a stipend following each visit to compensate for their time and participation.

Contact Information
For more information, please speak with your doctor or ask to speak with the Illinois Eye Center Study Coordinator during your next visit. Your participation could contribute to significant advancements in glaucoma treatment and patient care.
 

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

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