DoD IRB NUMBER: 356445 IRB APPROVAL DATE: 01/17/2024
Share your tears today Help us give dry eyes one big drop!
The Warfighter Refractive Eye Surgery Program and Research Center and Ophthalmology Clinic are investigating the tear fluid components lacritin and heparanase in normal and dry eyes. Military health care beneficiaries at least 50 years old are being recruited for the study, which may offer a new approach in treating dry eye. This study requires collection of tear fluid using a non-painful method of soaking up tears from the eye. Some eligibility criteria are as follows: • Male or female, of any race, and at least 50 years old at the time of the tear collection. • Individuals with reportedly “normal” eyes or who have been diagnosed with dry eye syndrome or have symptoms of dry eyes (e.g. tearing, burning, itching, irritation of the eyes).
Frequency of visits: One visit that will take 10-15 minutes, including 5-minute tear collection.
Possible benefits: Participants will not benefit from being in this study, but the information we acquire may help us learn more about what causes eye diseases, how they can be prevented, and how to best treat people in the future.
The study’s principal investigator is Dr. Zachary Skurski, Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center Refractive Eye Surgery & Research Center, Meadows Pavilion, Floor 2, Reception 3, 9300 Dewitt Loop, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060; Phone: 571-231-1600.
01195-11-29-2023-Flyer
For more information, please contact the WRESP-RC research team at 571-231-1600 or email dha.belvoir.fbch.mbx.wresp-research@health.mil.