Ongoing Clinical Trials for Exfoliation Glaucoma
There are currently 2 ongoing clinical trials investigating new treatments for exfoliation glaucoma. These studies are testing different approaches to preserve vision and slow disease progression, including eye drops containing citicoline and combination therapy approaches. Trials are being conducted in several European countries including Spain, Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, Hungary, Poland, and Sweden.
Clinical trial locations
- Belgium
- France
- Greece
- Hungary
- Italy
- Poland
- Spain
- Sweden
Study on the Effectiveness of Citicoline Eye Drops for Visual Field Preservation in Patients with Open Angle Glaucoma
This three-year study is testing whether citicoline eye drops can help preserve vision in people with open-angle glaucoma, including those with pseudoexfoliation and pigmentary types of the condition. The trial compares citicoline eye drops to placebo drops to determine if the active treatment can slow down vision loss.
Who can participate:
- Adults aged 18 years or older
- People diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma, pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, or pigmentary glaucoma
- Vision that can be corrected to at least 0.5 with glasses or contact lenses
- Eye pressure controlled at 18 mmHg or less
- Visual field mean deviation not worse than -12 dB
- Specific changes visible in the optic nerve head confirmed by eye exams and imaging
- Women of childbearing age must use effective birth control during the study and for 90 days after treatment ends
Who cannot participate:
- People without open-angle glaucoma
- Those whose condition is not worsening
- Patients not receiving standard clinical care for glaucoma
- People outside the specified age range
- Individuals belonging to vulnerable populations not included in the study design
What the study involves: Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either citicoline eye drops at 2% concentration or placebo drops. Throughout the study, regular check-ups will monitor eye health, including visual field testing and measurements of retinal layer thickness using Optical Coherence Tomography. The goal is to determine whether citicoline provides better protection against vision loss compared to placebo.
Investigational treatment: Citicoline is a neuroprotective medication administered as eye drops. It is thought to support nerve cells in the eye, potentially helping to preserve vision by protecting the optic nerve from damage. This study will evaluate its effectiveness in slowing the progression of visual field deterioration.
Study on Glaucoma Treatment: Comparing Brimonidine, Pilocarpine Nitrate, and Brinzolamide in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Open-Angle Glaucoma
This long-term study, continuing until the end of 2027, is comparing two different treatment approaches for newly diagnosed open-angle glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. One group receives intensive treatment with multiple medications from the start, while the other begins with a single medication and adds more as needed.
Who can participate:
- Adults between 40 and 78 years old
- Newly diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma or pseudoexfoliation glaucoma in one or both eyes
- Visual Field Index of 65% or higher
- Not previously treated with eye pressure-lowering medications
Who cannot participate:
- People without confirmed diagnosis of open-angle glaucoma or pseudoexfoliation glaucoma
- Those who have not experienced vision loss with optic nerve damage
- People outside the 40-78 age range
- Individuals from vulnerable populations requiring special protection
What the study involves: Participants are randomly assigned to either intensive treatment or conventional stepwise treatment. The intensive group receives a combination of eye drops from the beginning, which may include medications like brimonidine, pilocarpine nitrate, brinzolamide, timolol maleate, latanoprost, travoprost, betaxolol, bimatoprost, dorzolamide hydrochloride, and tafluprost. Some patients may also receive laser treatment. The conventional group starts with one medication and adds more if needed. Regular follow-ups monitor disease progression, quality of life, and treatment adherence.
Investigational treatments: The study tests whether starting with intensive combination therapy is more effective than the traditional approach of beginning with one medication. Treatments include various eye drops that work by decreasing fluid production in the eye or increasing its outflow to lower eye pressure. Laser trabeculoplasty may also be used to improve drainage and reduce pressure.
Summary
Two clinical trials are currently investigating treatments for exfoliation glaucoma across Europe. The first trial, conducted in seven countries including Spain, Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, Hungary, and Poland, focuses on a single investigational medication—citicoline eye drops—as a potential neuroprotective treatment to preserve vision over three years. The second trial, based in Sweden, takes a different approach by comparing intensive multi-drug therapy from diagnosis versus conventional step-by-step treatment escalation, with long-term follow-up planned through 2027.
Both studies aim to slow disease progression and preserve vision, but they represent different treatment philosophies. One explores adding a protective agent to standard care, while the other questions whether earlier, more aggressive treatment with existing medications provides better outcomes. These trials reflect ongoing efforts to improve care for people with this sight-threatening condition.