RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Proteomic and Metabolomic Lacrimal Fingerprint in Diverse Pathologies of the Ocular Surface

Researchers are studying tear samples to understand more about common eye surface problems such as dry eyes, eye infections, and eye allergies. They want to find unique 'tear fingerprints' for each condition, which could lead to better ways of diagnosing and treating them in the future. The study involves collecting a small tear sample using a special paper strip from patients attending eye clinics. This information will help build a base of knowledge about what healthy tears and tears from different eye conditions look like, using a high-tech analysis method. This is an early-stage study aiming to refine the testing method and gather important information.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM)

Enrolment target

300

Start

01 Feb 2020

Estimated completion

01 Jan 2035

Dry Eye Syndrome Infectious Keratoconjunctivitis Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid Allergic Conjunctivitis

What is this study about?

This research is looking into how different eye problems, like dry eye, eye infections (such as conjunctivitis), and eye allergies, affect the tears we produce. Think of it like a unique fingerprint, but for your tears. The scientists want to discover specific patterns in the tears for each of these conditions. By understanding these 'tear fingerprints', they hope to improve how doctors diagnose and manage these common eye surface diseases in the future.

To do this, they will be collecting small tear samples from people who visit eye clinics. They're particularly interested in patients with dry eye, eye infections, a condition called mucous membrane pemphigoid (which affects the wet surfaces of the body, including the eyes), and allergic conjunctivitis. They also want to collect samples from people with healthy eyes to use as a comparison.

The tear samples are collected using a special, small paper strip placed gently at the edge of the eye – this is a common and usually comfortable procedure. These samples then go to a lab for detailed analysis using advanced technology. This study is an important first step in understanding the chemical makeup of tears in health and disease.

Key takeaways

Researchers are studying tears to find clues about eye health.
The aim is to discover unique 'tear fingerprints' for different eye conditions.
This could help improve how dry eye, infections, and allergies are diagnosed.
Participation involves a simple tear collection during a clinic visit.
There are no direct personal benefits, but it helps future patients.
Your medical care will not be affected by your decision to participate.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or older. You should also be able to understand the study information and agree to participate yourself.

You would be suitable if you have healthy eyes, or if you have been diagnosed with one of the following eye surface conditions: dry eye syndrome, an eye infection (like keratitis or conjunctivitis), mucous membrane pemphigoid, or allergic conjunctivitis.

People who are under 18 years old or who are unable to give their permission to join the study will not be able to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or over?
Can you understand and give your own permission to join a study?
Do you have healthy eyes, or one of these conditions: dry eye, an eye infection, mucous membrane pemphigoid, or allergic conjunctivitis?
Are you able to attend an eye clinic where the study is taking place?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, your involvement would be straightforward. During a routine visit to an eye clinic, a small tear sample would be collected from you. This is done using a special, thin paper strip called a Schirmer strip, which is gently placed at the edge of your eye for a short time to absorb some tears. This procedure is quick and generally well-tolerated. The researchers will also record some basic information about your eye health and any eye drops you might be using. There are no extra visits or medications involved specifically for this study beyond your usual clinic appointments. The total duration of your participation would be limited to the time it takes to collect the tear sample and record your routine eye information during one of your regular clinic visits.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study involves very minimal risks. The tear collection process using a Schirmer strip is generally considered safe and may cause a brief, mild irritation or watering of the eye, similar to getting an eyelash in your eye. There are no known direct benefits to you personally from taking part, as this is an early-stage research study. However, the information gathered could greatly help future understanding and treatment of various eye conditions. Please remember that taking part is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) - Department of Chemistry
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada· Active not recruiting
Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM)
Verified postcode
Montreal, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'tear fingerprint'?

It's a way of describing the unique mix of tiny substances found in your tears, which can be different depending on whether your eyes are healthy or if you have a specific eye condition.

How is a tear sample collected?

A small, special paper strip (called a Schirmer strip) is gently placed at the edge of your eye for a short while to collect your tears. It's usually quick and causes little to no discomfort.

Will I get any treatment from this study?

No, this study is for collecting tear samples for research purposes only. It will not provide any treatment or change your current medical care.

Is the tear collection painful?

Most people feel a very mild sensation, similar to having an eyelash in your eye, but it is not usually painful and lasts only for a short time.

Who is funding this research?

The study is being conducted by researchers at the University Hospital of Montreal (CHUM) and the University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM).

How to find out more

Marie-Claude Robert, MD, M.Sc

marie-claude.robert.2@umontreal.ca 514-890-8278 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.