Clinical Trials

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Slade & Baker Vision Center is constantly being sought out by device and pharmaceutical companies to conduct clinical trials in order to help them gain FDA approval. Often, patients who are eligible for these clinical trials receive significant discounts for their participation. Current clinical trials being conducted at Slade & Baker Vision Center are listed below. Please call our office to learn more.

PRK Study

Corneal Crosslinking (CXL)

Please click on this link to view the press release on this trial.

Slade and Baker Vision now offers corneal crosslinking (CXL), an investigational treatment option for certain corneal conditions. CXL is designed to treat Keratoconus, a disease that results in increasing nearsightedness and astigmatism. CXL may also be used to treat certain complications after refractive surgery (i.e. LASIK or PRK), primarily Post Lasik Ectasia patients that experience corneal thinning after Refractive Surgery. CXL treatment consists of a combination of applying Riboflavin drops, a B vitamin, to the front surface of the eye along with the use of an ultraviolet light. CXL has been approved in other parts of the world, but is under an FDA Study here in the US.  CXL is performed using an investigational device that has not been fully approved in the US.  Dr. Slade and Dr. Parkhurst are both investigators for this FDA Study. While any procedure, even wearing contact lenses, carries some risks, CXL is associated with low risks. In the other parts of the world, where CXL is approved, results are excellent.

Dr. Slade and Dr. Parkhurst are currently offering CXL to their patients and referral patients under the FDA Study.  Slade & Baker Vision Center was the first site in Texas that was approved by the FDA to perform Crosslinking.  We are still currently performing Crosslinking as an FDA trial.  Enrollment in the trial is limited. The best first step is to come in to the clinic for a screening evaluation to find out if you are eligible. There is no charge for this screening visit.  Please visit our corneal crosslinking page to learn more.  We look forward to seeing you!

Presbylens

Presbylens is a unique treatment for presbyopia. Presbyopia is the loss of near vision with age and it typically happens to everyone over 40 years of age. The Presbylens is a microscopic clear lens that is implanted in the cornea. A small LASIK-like flap is made with a laser; the Presbylens is laid on the cornea under the flap; and the corneal flap is returned to its original position where it bonds without stitches. No corneal tissue is removed and the lens is removable if needed. This technique is approved in Europe and we are assisting in gaining its approval in the US. For patients who qualify for the Presbylens study, the surgery will be performed at no charge.  Please visit our Presbylens page for more information on this trial.

T-CAT Study

This LASIK study is for patients who are nearsighted, farsighted or have astigmatism. In this study we use a new, custom LASIK treatment pattern. The treatment pattern is approved in Europe and we are assisting in gaining its approval in the US. Early results are impressive. A significant reduction in the cost for LASIK is provided to patients for their participation. Qualifying patients must be 18 years of age or older.  UPDATE: We are currently not enrolling patients for this study but please check back in with us to see when we re-open enrollment.