6 Clinical Trials for Various Conditions
To study the relationship between visual function and ocular (iris, retina/choroidal) pigmentation in patients with albinism and other hypomelanotic disorders. To identify the carrier state in relatives of patients with ocular albinism.
The LUVIA study is a randomized placebo-controlled trial designed to investigate the effects of lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation on macular pigment and visual function in ocular or oculocutaneous albinism. Lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation will be compared to a placebo (no treatment) gel pill over the period of 12 months, with study visits approximately every 3 months for the first year and a final visit 18 months after enrollment.
This project will evaluate the effect of two doses of levodopa (L-DOPA) in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-masked clinical trial to see if vision can be improved in individuals with albinism. The hypothesis is that providing L-DOPA to the retinas of these individuals may increase melanin pigment production. Increased melanin has previously been shown to be associated with improved vision.
Background: The eyeGENE (Registered Trademark) program is a research resource for inherited eye conditions which includes genotypic and phenotypic data, imaging, and a corresponding biobank of DNA samples from people with a variety of eye diseases. Since 2007 this registry has been helping researchers learn more about the genetic sources for many inherited eye diseases. These findings helped them create better treatments. Now researchers want to expand eyeGENE (Registered Trademark) to include more people for certain eye diseases. Objective: To collect information and DNA samples for the study of eye diseases. * Primary objective --To expand the current eyeGENE (Registered Trademark) data repository with targeted participant accrual * Secondary objectives * To enhance recruitment for clinical trials and investigations in inherited eye diseases * To establish genotype-phenotype correlations for rare eye diseases Eligibility: People of any age with certain eye diseases. These can include aniridia; Best disease; blue-cone monochromacy; corneal dystrophy; and disorders of pigmentation, such as albinism. Relatives unaffected by the eye disease of interest may also be needed. Design: Researchers will select participants based on their diagnosis. The data may include images and test results from eye exams. Participants will provide a sample of saliva. They will receive a kit with written instructions. They will spit in a tube and mail it to the NIH. Participants may be asked to provide a blood sample. The blood may be drawn at the NIH or at a local clinic. The eyeGENE (Registered Trademark) repository will offer researchers data about the participants eye conditions. The data may include pictures of their eyes, results of the genetic testing, and history of other diseases. Researchers will be able to see data such as age and gender, but they will not see names, dates of birth, or contact information.
Background: - Oculocutaneous albinism, type 1B (OCA1B) is a genetic disease caused by problems in the gene that makes tyrosine. Tyrosine is an amino acid needed to produce pigment in the skin, hair, and eyes. People with OCA1B have pale skin, white hair, and light-colored eyes. Pigment in the back of the eye helps vision, so people with OCA-1B often have visual problems. Researchers want to see if a drug called nitisinone can help improve eye pigmentation and vision in people with OCA1B. Nitisinone is approved for treating a related genetic disease that causes problems with tyrosine, so it may help people with OCA1B. Objectives: - To see if nitisinone can help improve eye pigmentation and vision in people with OCA1B. Eligibility: - Individuals at least 18 years of age who have OCA1B. Design: * This study will last about 18 months. It requires eight outpatient visits, each about 3 months apart. Each visit will require 1 to 2 days of testing. * Participants will be screened with a physical exam, eye exam, and medical history. They will have additional vision and neurological tests. They will be tested to see how their brain and retinas respond to light. They will also take hair and blood samples, and answer questions about diet. * Participants will receive the study drug. They will take one pill a day for 1 year. They will keep track of the dose in a study diary. * At the outpatient visits, participants will have the following tests: * Medical history and physical exam * Neurological and eye exams * Retina function tests * Tests of the skin and brain's response to light * Blood and urine tests * Dietary consultation * Visual function questionnaire. * After the end of the study, participants will return to the care of their regular eye doctor.
The purpose of the study is to evaluate and document physiologic and functional changes in visual performance and retinal function of patients diagnosed with albinism (a dopamine deficiency state) following a trial of oral Levodopa/carbidopa treatment.