Recruiting

Self-Adhering Device

Sponsor:

University of Illinois at Chicago

Code:

NCT06291818

Conditions

Paralytic Lagophthalmos

Corneal Exposure

Eligibility Criteria

Sex: All

Age: 18 - 70+

Healthy Volunteers: Not accepted

Interventions

temporary magnetic system for tarsorrhaphy (MST)

Study Details

Brief summary:

Paralytic lagophthalmos can be difficult to treat and manage. It has a host of causes and effects, one of which (for the latter) is exposure keratopathy. Untreated, this can lead to corneal ulceration, inflammation, and potentially blindness. Despite a variety of attempts at treating this complex condition, none have satisfactorily reduced complications ranging from ease of use to aesthetics. With improvement in magnetic technology, however, that may change. Barmettler et al (2014) have demonstrated preliminary success of externally affixed magnets in closing both model and patient eyelids. As such, we hypothesize that magnetic devices can be used to treat corneal exposure by controlling eyelid position.

Conditions

Paralytic Lagophthalmos

Corneal Exposure

Study ID

NCT06291818

Start date

Apr 17, 2024

Status verified date

May, 2026

Completion date

Sep 1, 2027

Anticipated

Primary completion date

Sep 1, 2027

Anticipated

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

Sex: All

Age: 18 - 70+

Healthy Volunteers: Not accepted

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Males and females ages 18-80 years old.
  • Patients with recent corneal abrasion and no signs of infection in the examination
  • Patients with lagophthalmos
  • Normal Controls

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Individuals with adhesive or tape allergies.
  • Individuals with a history of metal pieces/shavings embedded in the eye (such as from welding or metalworking)
  • Individuals with eye infections

Study Design

Enrollment

25 participants

Anticipated

Intervention Model

Single group

Primary purpose

Other

Interventions and Outcome Measures

Arms

other: Assess the performance of this novel eyelid closure device in vivo

The primary goal of this study is to determine the feasibility and success of a temporary magnetic system for tarsorrhaphy (MST) to provide adequate closure of the eyes for ultimate use in conditions causing lagophthalmos (a disorder in eyelid closure). In this disorder, people are unable to sufficiently cover their cornea (the front of the eye), which can lead to dryness, infection, scarring and even blindness. Current therapies are invasive, involving local anesthesia and surgeries, and have a negative cosmetic impact.

Interventions

temporary magnetic system for tarsorrhaphy (MST)

cutting-edge technology has produced smaller magnets with stronger magnetic fields, prompting experts to revisit the use of magnets to facilitate eyelid closure

Primary outcome measure

  • Number of participants with success of a temporary magnetic system for tarsorrhaphy [ Time Frame: through study completion, an average of 3 years ]

Central Contacts and Locations

Central contacts

Van Ann Tran, MD

312-996-9120annqtran@uic.edu

Locations

University of Illinois - Specialty Care Building

Recruiting

Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60612

Contacts

Van Ann Tran, MD

312-996-9120

More Information

Sponsor

University of Illinois at Chicago

Last update posted

May 22, 2026

Last verified

May, 2026

Trial information was received from ClinicalTrials.gov and was last updated on 2026-09-09. This information was provided to ClinicalTrials.gov by University of Illinois at Chicago on 2026-05-22.