In vivo imaging of the human zonular apparatus after vitrectomy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
In vivo imaging for the assessment of the human zonular apparatus after vitrectomy
IRAS ID
217379
Contact name
Sher Aslam
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
With this study we aim to use imaging to investigate the effect of vitrectomy operation on the zonular apparatus. Vitrectomy is an operation used to treat a variety of pathologies involving the retina, it involves removing the vitreous (the jelly-like substance filling the eye). Within the eye the human lens is held in place by fibres called zonules. It has been noted that after vitrectomy, the zonules are found to be weaker however the mechanism of this is unknown. At time of vitrectomy a tamponade agent is usually inserted in place of the vitreous in the form of a gas or an oil.
The purpose of this study is to image the zonules in patients who are undergoing vitrectomy surgery. Whilst the imaging modalities proposed has been used to image zonules and associated structures before, they have not been used to look for changes in the zonules in patients who have undergone a vitrectomy operation. The imaging techniques include ultrasound biomicroscopy which is a type of high resolution ultrasound scanning and anterior segment OCT which is a non-invasive non-contact high resolution cross sectional imaging modality. Both imaging modalities do not involve any radiation exposure or risk of long term damage to the eye.
We would like to perform this as a pilot study on approximately 20 patients who have already decided to undergo vitrectomy surgery to see if there is any change in the zonular structure after a vitrectomy operation. Patients undergoing vitrectomy are seen in clinic before the operation at the time of listing, and then seen 14 and 60 days post operatively usually. We would like to carry out the imaging at these 3 appointment dates to see if there is any effect on the strength, configuration and length of the zonules following the vitrectomy surgery.REC name
North West - Haydock Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NW/0212
Date of REC Opinion
6 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion