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fMRI and IVCM Cornea Microscopy of CXL in Keratoconus

RecruitingObservational studyHealthy volunteers welcome

Neuroplasticity of Pain Pathways and Corneal Afferent Regeneration Following Corneal Crosslinking (CXL) in Keratoconus

Who can join

Ages 8 to 35 · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome

Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

CXL Group

* Age 8-35 years
* Clinical diagnosis of keratoconus and seeking CXL treatment
* English speaking ability sufficient to comprehend consent with parental assistance
* MRI compatible
* Ability to lie still for an MRI session (60 minutes)

Control Group

* Age 8-35 years
* No diagnosis of keratoconus
* English speaking ability sufficient to comprehend consent with parental assistance
* MRI compatible
* Ability to lie still for an MRI session (60 minutes)

Exclusion Criteria (Both Groups):

* Claustrophobic
* Weight \> 285 lbs (weight limit of the MRI table)
* Significant medical history, including:

Current DSM-IV-TR axis I psychiatric disorders. Chronic pain Significant head injury Seizures Brain tumor Cerebrovascular accident Neurological disease aside from migraine HIV-AIDs Prescription medication strongly implicated in causing dry eyes

* Magnetic implants or metal-containing tattoos on their chest or above
* Pregnancy
* History of contact lens wear
* Any allergic response to a numbing eyedrop in the past

About the study

Evaluation of neuroplasticity of pain pathways and corneal afferent nerve regeneration following corneal crosslinking (CXL) in keratoconus patients using fMRI and corneal In Vivo Confocal Microscopy (IVCM).

Sponsor: Boston Children's Hospital · Participants: 60 · Started: Oct 4, 2021

Contact the study team

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT04439552

Locations in the U.S.

MassachusettsBoston Children's Hospital, Boston

Conditions

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 29, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.