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PET/CT Imaging for Early
Detection of Ocular Melanoma
This research involves the use of
combined positron emission tomography
(PET)/computed tomography (CT)
scans in subjects with ocular melanoma.
It may ultimately provide new
knowledge that will be used to develop
better ways of monitoring for tumor
spread and allow for early treatment if
metastasis is found. Investigators: Tara
A. McCannel, MD, PhD; and Bradley R.
Straatsma, MD, JD
Orbital and Ophthalmic
Plastic Surgery
Volumetric Analysis of Orbital
Images (CT and MRI Sequences)
with Mimics Image Processing
Software
This study is evaluating the volumetric
changes of orbital tissues using a validated
3D image processing software.
Orbital diseases such as thyroid eye
disease, myositis, inflammatory and
neoplastic conditions are characterized
by significant soft tissue changes. Their
assessment with Mimics software is
helpful in understanding the clinical
course of these diseases, as well as
defining the etiologic and pathogenetic
mechanisms involved. Investigator:
Robert A. Goldberg, MD
Ultrasound Study of Eyelid
Mobility Before and After
Blepharoplasty and
Injectable Fillers
This study uses a high-resolution
ultrasound machine to capture realtime
films of the tissues immediately
surrounding the eye. Patients in each
of the following three arms are being
studied: pre/post botulinum toxin
injection, pre/post synthetic filler injection,
and pre/post periocular cosmetic
surgery, including fat repositioning or
fat transfer. Data gathered is being
used to study the dispersion of filler
injections, to gain more detailed and
accurate insight into this cosmetic field.
Investigator: Robert A. Goldberg, MD
Studies on Tissue in
Autoimmune Diseases
This study aims to determine the cause
of eye problems in Graves disease
and other autoimmune diseases.
Examination is being done of material
removed from orbits during surgical
therapy for Graves disease or other
problems requiring surgery on the
tissue surrounding the eyes; of thyroid
tissue removed during the course of
surgical therapy; or of blood drawn for
laboratory tests. Investigator: Robert A.
Goldberg, MD
Quality of Life Study in Patients
with Graves Disease
This study is assessing the quality of
life in patients with Graves disease
orbitopathy before and after medical
treatment or medical procedures.
Investigator: Robert A. Goldberg, MD
Pediatrics and Strabismus
Biomechanical Analysis in
Strabismus Surgery
This study aims to develop new diagnostic
tests and computer models that
will lead to improvements in strabismus
surgery. Tests of binocular alignment
and eye movements, as well as magnetic
resonance imaging of the extraocular
muscles, are being performed
in the Institute’s Clinical and Basic
Science Ocular Motility Laboratory
before and after strabismus surgery. To
date, this research has fundamentally
contributed to the knowledge of the
functional anatomy of the extraocular
muscles and connective tissues, and
allowed discovery of causes of common
strabismus and development of
new types of surgeries. Investigator:
Joseph L. Demer, MD, PhD
Contact Lens Study
The purpose of this study is to identify
rates of complications and correlations
to modality of wear, care system,
hygiene, or other factors associated
with contact lens complications. Investigators:
Vivian Phan, OD; Sharon Y.
Lee, OD; Bartly J. Mondino, MD; and
Barry A. Weissman, OD, PhD
Genetic and Anatomic Studies of
Eye Movement Disorders
This collaborative National Eye
Institute-funded study is conducting
magnetic resonance imaging of the
extraocular muscles. This procedure
clarifies the phenotypes and mechanisms
of congenital cranial dysinnervation
syndromes whose hereditary
properties have been characterized
using modern molecular genetics.
Patients with these syndromes have
severe forms of strabismus. Investigator:
Joseph L. Demer, MD, PhD
Optic Nerve in Amblyopia
Amblyopia is a major cause of childhood
visual loss. This study uses high
resolution, surface-coil magnetic resonance
imaging to study optic nerve size
in amblyopia. It tests the theory that
the optic nerve is smaller than normal
in amblyopia and that optic nerve size
may be a limiting factor in restoration
of vision by amblyopia treatment. Investigator:
Joseph L. Demer, MD, PhD
A Randomized Clinical Trial of
Observation Versus Occlusion
Therapy for Intermittent Exotropia
Although occlusion treatment, or
patching of the eye, is a widely used
treatment for intermittent exotropia
(IXT), there have been no randomized
clinical trials evaluating its effectiveness.
This study is being conducted
to assess the natural history of IXT
and to establish the effectiveness of
patching in its treatment. Investigators:
Stacey L. Pineles, MD; and Federico G.
Velez, MD
Appendices | Clinical Research Studies 111