Pain Relief After Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking

Enhancing Pain Relief After Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking: Exploring New Post-Surgical Treatments

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phases

Early Phase 1

Study type

Interventional

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT06212830

Enrollment

Registered

2024-01-19

Start date

2024-02-29

Completion date

2025-08-31

Last updated

2024-01-19

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Provide Evidence-based Recommendations for Clinicians to Optimize Pain Control After CXL

Brief summary

Keratoconus is a progressive corneal ectasia that can lead to significant visual impairment and decreased quality of life. The introduction of corneal cross-linking (CXL) with riboflavin and ultraviolet-A (UVA) light has revolutionized the treatment of keratoconus by increasing corneal rigidity and arresting disease progression. The epithelium-off protocol, which induces heightened post-surgical discomfort, is the prevailing approach. Despite the success of CXL, postoperative pain is a common side effect that can negatively impact patients' quality of life and impede recovery. Pain management after CXL is essential for optimizing patient outcomes and satisfaction. Systemic painkillers, though not researched enough, may potentially aid in healing and recovery, minimizing complications and discomfort for the patient. In this study we will provide evidence-based recommendations for clinicians to optimize pain control after CXL in collaboration with pain specialists.

Interventions

DRUGGabapentin

Gabapentin 200 mg twice a day, starting from the night prior to the procedure and continue 48 hours after

DRUGTargin

Targin 5 mg twice a day after the procedure for 48 hours

DRUGNSAID

Nurofen (NSAID) 200 mg twice a day after the procedure for 48 hours

DRUGParacetamol

Paracetamol 500 mg every 4 hours during waking hours after the procedure for 48 hours

Study design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

PARALLEL

Primary purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

DOUBLE (Subject, Caregiver)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

15 Years to 100 Years

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Patients above the age of 15 years * Patients who are undergoing CXL treatment

Exclusion criteria

* Renal and/or hepatic failure * Patients under the age of 15

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Pain questionnaires	The questionnaire will be asked 2, 6, 24 48 and 72 hours after surgery.

Countries

Israel

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026