Vitreoretinal structure and proliferative vitreoretinopathy cascade

Investigating the Role of Immune Cells in Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy

Primary Investigator
A
Amir Hajrasouliha

Primary Investigator

Enrolling By Invitation
18 years - 100 years
All

Brief description of study

The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the structure of the vitreous (the clear gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina) and the reason behind the failure of most retinal detachment surgeries. There is a 10% failure rate for primary retinal detachment surgery with 75% of those failures due to proliferative vitreoretinopathy also known are PVR. PVR is when membranes develop on top or under the retina. This membrane contracts and pulls at the retina causing secondary retinal detachment. This study is to identify the mechanism involving in formation of PVR. We are looking into the immune cell role in PVR formation and different in chemokine (small proteins involving in attracting immune cells) levels in the vitreous of patients with vitreoretinal pathology.

THIS STUDY IS ENROLLING BY INVITATION ONLY - Patients will be recruited through eye clinics at specified sites in the protocol. Those individuals who need vitreoretinal surgeries will be identified by their treating physician and recruited in the study by the study team during the same clinic encounter for surgical scheduling.  

Detailed description of study

This study involves collection of information including demographic and tissue samples from patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (with growth of abnormal vessels into vitreous and retina), rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, tractional retinal detachment, macular hole (small break in the central area of the retina), macular pucker (scar tissue formation on the macular area of the retina), or a vitreous hemorrhage (leakage of blood into the vitreous humor of the eye). If clinically indicated to have vitreoretinal surgery the individual will be offered to participate in this study at the time of scheduling for surgery. The sampling is during the surgery. No additional procedure is performed for the participants other than the regular followup for surgery. For those who accept to participate the vitreous sample and membranes will be collected for further investigation under this protocol instead of being discarded- which is the usual procedure. If you are scheduled for an eye surgery, the physician may also ask to collect ocular tissue samples. The collection of these samples do not alter the surgical procedure or purpose of the surgery. The tissue collected would only be the by-products of the surgery. No additional surgical maneuvers or excisions will be done to obtain the ocular tissue samples. Your participation in this study will last from the time this tissue is collected till it is discarded at the completion of our study.

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions: Proliferative diabetic retinopathy, Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, Tractional retinal detachment, Macular hole, Macular pucker, Vitreous hemorrhage
  • Age: 18 years - 100 years
  • Gender: All

Inclusion Criteria

  • Patients with any of the following ocular diseases who are considering to have vitreoretinal surgeries: proliferative diabetic retinopathy (with growth of abnormal vessels into vitreous and retina), rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, tractional retinal detachment, macular hole (small break in the central area of the retina), macular pucker (scar tissue formation on the macular area of the retina), or a vitreous hemorrhage (leakage of blood into the vitreous humor of the eye).

This study investigates the structure of the vitreous and the reasons behind the failure of some retinal detachment surgeries. The purpose is to understand why proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) occurs, which is when membranes form on the retina and cause it to detach again. PVR happens when these membranes pull on the retina. The study looks at how immune cells and chemokines, which are small proteins that attract immune cells, play a role in this process.

Participants will have samples collected during their scheduled eye surgeries. These samples include vitreous fluid and membranes that would normally be discarded. The study does not change any part of the surgery or the follow-up care. The samples will be used to learn more about the condition.

  • Who can participate: Adults who are considering vitreoretinal surgeries for conditions like proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, macular hole, macular pucker, or vitreous hemorrhage can participate.
  • Study details: Samples of vitreous fluid and membranes will be collected during scheduled eye surgeries. These samples, which would otherwise be discarded, will be used to study the condition. No additional procedures are required for the study.
Updated on 17 Aug 2026. Study ID: 1809532202
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Interested in the study?

This study is accepting only persons who receive care at a certain clinic or doctor or who are part of an invited group. Questions about this study can be directed to the study team listed in the description or contact your doctor to see if you are eligible.

Accepting Referrals by Invitation Only