Cataract

122

Review clinical trials related to Cataract. Use filters to narrow results by trial status, phase, treatment, biological sex and sponsor.

Condition / disease
Location
Status: Recruiting

Lacrifill for Ocular Surface Optimization in Cataract Surgery

This is a single-site observational study designed to evaluate the efficacy of Lacrifill™ canalicular filler in optimizing ocular surface parameters and biometric precision in prospective cataract surgery patients with dry eye disease (DED).

Participants needed: 65
Trial details
Age: 40+Biological sex: AllType: ObservationalSponsor: The Eye Institute of West FloridaUpdated: Aug 21, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Age >= 40 years [+3]

Previous punctal plugs or canalicular cautery [+1]

Status: Recruiting

Corneal Biomechanics and Surgically Induced Astigmatism in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome

This prospective study aims to evaluate the influence of corneal biomechanical properties on surgically induced astigmatism following standard phacoemulsification cataract surgery in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome compared with patients without pseudoexfoliation. Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF) and corneal astigmatism will be measured before surgery and at postoperative follow-up visits. The relationship between changes in corneal biomechanics and surgically induced astigmatism will be analyzed.

Participants needed: 70
Trial details
Age: 50-85Biological sex: AllType: ObservationalSponsor: Kata CulinaUpdated: Aug 18, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Adults aged 50-85 years [+4]

Previous ocular surgery in the study eye [+3]

Status: Recruiting

Surgical Procedure Efficiency Evaluation stuDy

The purpose of this real-world evidence study is to compare surgical procedure times for UNITY® VCS and CONSTELLATION® Vision System.

Participants needed: 180
Trial details
Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: ObservationalSponsor: Alcon ResearchUpdated: Aug 13, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Able to understand and sign an informed consent form (ICF) that has been approve... [+2]

Unplanned/emergency phacovitrectomy. [+3]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Night Driving After Trifocal Versus Monofocal IOL Implantation

This prospective observational cohort study will compare night-driving visual difficulty and visual disturbances after bilateral implantation of an Alcon trifocal intraocular lens or an Alcon monofocal intraocular lens in adults undergoing cataract surgery. The type of intraocular lens will be selected by each participant and the treating ophthalmologist as part of routine clinical care, and will not be assigned by the investigators. Eligible participants must have a valid motor vehicle driving license and a stable history of night driving during the previous 3 months. The primary outcome will be the total score of the Visual Function and Night Driving Questionnaire (VND-Q) at 3 months postoperatively. Secondary assessments will include glare adaptation, self-rated night-driving quality and driving speed, changes in night-driving behavior, visual disturbances, distance, intermediate and near visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, whole-eye aberrations, pupil diameter, defocus performance, reading speed, spectacle independence, and participant satisfaction.

Participants needed: 200
Trial details
Age: 18-85Biological sex: AllType: ObservationalSponsor: Jin YangUpdated: Aug 10, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Adults aged 18 to 85 years. [+8]

Corneal endothelial cell density below 1,500 cells/mm² in either eye. [+8]

Status: Recruiting

Visual Adaptation and Quality of Life After Different IOL Implantation Strategies

This longitudinal observational study aims to evaluate long-term visual adaptation trajectories, optical quality, and patient-reported outcomes in age-related cataract patients following bilateral implantation of multifocal or mix-and-match intraocular lenses (IOLs). Patients will be followed up longitudinally after surgery to systematically assess visual performance and quality of life.

Participants needed: 264
Trial details
Age: 18-100Biological sex: AllType: ObservationalSponsor: Sichuan Academy of Medical SciencesUpdated: Jul 31, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Age 18 years or older with age-related cataract requiring bilateral phacoemulsif... [+3]

Previous ocular surgery or ocular trauma [+3]

Status: Not yet recruiting

AI-Driven IOL Prediction Using SS-OCT Biometry

This prospective, multicenter, non-interventional observational study aims to evaluate the agreement between a novel swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) biometer and the IOLMaster 700 for ocular biometric measurements and to develop and validate an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven intraocular lens (IOL) power prediction model. The primary research questions are: Does the novel SS-OCT biometer provide ocular biometric measurements that are comparable to those obtained using the IOLMaster 700? Can an AI-driven IOL power prediction model developed from multicenter biometric, imaging, surgical, and postoperative refractive data improve the accuracy of postoperative refractive prediction? Adult patients with age-related cataract who are scheduled to undergo routine phacoemulsification with posterior chamber IOL implantation will be consecutively recruited from participating study centers. Participants will undergo routine preoperative clinical assessments together with additional non-contact biometric measurements using the novel SS-OCT biometer before cataract surgery. Cataract surgery and postoperative care will follow standard clinical practice and will not be influenced by the study. Postoperative refractive and visual outcomes at approximately one month after surgery will be collected for analysis. The AI model and research device measurements will be used for research purposes only and will not be used to guide clinical decision-making during the study.

Participants needed: 2,500
Trial details
Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: ObservationalSponsor: The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityUpdated: Jul 29, 2026Locations: 3Duration: 1 Month
Eligibility criteria

Aged 18 years or above. [+5]

Ocular conditions that may significantly affect biometric measurements or postop... [+5]

Status: Recruiting

JASPER™ Robotic Surgical System (Formerly Known as the ORYOM™ Robotic Surgical System) in Cataract Surgery

This is a prospective, open-label clinical study designed to evaluate the performance and safety of the JASPER™ Robotic Surgical System during cataract surgery.

Participants needed: 40
Trial details
Age: 55-80Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: ForSight Robotics LtdUpdated: Jul 24, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Patient aged 55 to 80 years [+4]

Prior ocular surgery or trauma in the study eye [+6]

Status: Recruiting

Post-refractive IOL Outcomes With Clareon TruPlus

This is a prospective, single-arm, single-center, single-surgeon study evaluating the Clareon TruPlus IOL in post-refractive cataract patients. Subjects will be assessed up to 3 months post-operatively. Clinical evaluations will include refractive outcomes, visual acuity, and administration of the PRISQ Questionnaire.

Participants needed: 35
Trial details
Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: ObservationalSponsor: Laser Defined VisionUpdated: Jul 23, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Willing and able to understand and sign informed consent. [+4]

Moderate-severe corneal pathology, irregular astigmatism, preexisting macular di... [+4]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Influence of Cataract Surgery on Corneal Biomechanical Properties in Patients With Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is associated with alterations in the biomechanical properties of the cornea. This prospective observational cohort study aims to evaluate changes in corneal biomechanical properties after standard phacoemulsification cataract surgery in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome compared with patients without pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) will be measured using the Ocular Response Analyzer before surgery and at postoperative day 1, day 7, and day 30. The study will enroll patients undergoing routine cataract surgery to compare postoperative changes in CH and CRF between the pseudoexfoliation and control groups.

Participants needed: 70
Trial details
Age: 50-85Biological sex: AllType: ObservationalSponsor: Kata CulinaUpdated: Jul 23, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

adults aged 50 years and older [+3]

previous ocular surgery, [+7]

Status: Recruiting

Randomized Controlled Trial of the STEIN Protocol: A Neuroplastic Pain Education and Guided Breathing Intervention During Awake Cataract Surgery

This randomized controlled trial evaluates whether a standardized perioperative neuroplastic intervention: the STEIN Protocol (Strategies and Techniques for Enhancing Integration and Neuroplasticity), consisting of pain neuroscience education, guided imagery, and paced breathing, reduces intraoperative analgesic and anxiolytic requirements. Secondary outcomes include patient-reported pain, anxiety, satisfaction, and postoperative recovery following cataract surgery. Reduced intraoperative sedative and analgesic requirements may reflect improved patient comfort and autonomic regulation while minimizing medication-related adverse effects.

Participants needed: 300
Trial details
Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: University of California, Los AngelesUpdated: Jul 23, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Not listed

Status: Recruiting

Toric Performance And Constant Evaluation

The main purpose of this investigation is to support safety and performance assessment of the investigational device with a focus on optimizing the IOL constants based on refractive outcomes.

Participants needed: 130
Trial details
Phase: Phase 4Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Carl Zeiss Meditec AGUpdated: Jul 22, 2026Locations: 6
Eligibility criteria

Aged 18 years or older; [+8]

Previous intraocular or corneal surgery in either eye that might confound the ou... [+21]

Status: Recruiting

A Prospective, Randomized, Subject- and Examiner-Masked, Multicenter Study Comparing Bilateral Clareon TruPlus and Bilateral Clareon Monofocal Intraocular Lens Implantation (Spherical and Toric) in Cataract Subjects

This investigator-initiated trial is a prospective, randomized, parallel-group, bilateral implantation study comparing Clareon TruPlus versus Clareon monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs). Spherical and toric models are permitted in both arms based on standardized preoperative planning and clinical indication. Subjects and postoperative examiners/technicians will be masked to IOL assignment; surgeons will not be masked. The overall structure is modeled after randomized bilateral implantation cataract study designs with a Month 3 primary endpoint visit.

Participants needed: 180
Trial details
Phase: Phase 4Age: 22+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Berkeley Eye CenterUpdated: Jul 21, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Adult cataract patients aged ≥22 years scheduled for cataract surgery in both ey... [+6]

Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant during the study period, or... [+10]

Status: Not yet recruiting

OCT-PRO Model vs. Clinicians: Cataract Surgery Outcome Prediction

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, yet 5-20% of patients fail to achieve satisfactory visual recovery after surgery. Current methods for predicting postoperative visual acuity lack accuracy, particularly in patients with co-morbid fundus diseases. The OCT-PRO model, developed by our team, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to integrate optical coherence tomography (OCT) images and clinical data to forecast surgical outcomes. This multi-center, randomized, single-blind trial aims to compare the predictive accuracy of OCT-PRO-assisted predictions versus standard clinician predictions. A total of 534 participants will be randomized 1:1 to either the experimental group (OCT-PRO-assisted prediction) or the control group (routine care). The primary outcome is the mean absolute error (MAE) between predicted and actual postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Secondary outcomes include patient satisfaction, informed decision-making scores, and clinician acceptance of the AI tool. This study will provide high-level evidence on the clinical utility of AI in optimizing cataract surgical decision-making and patient communication.

Participants needed: 534
Trial details
Age: 18-90Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen UniversityUpdated: Jul 20, 2026
Eligibility criteria

Age ≥18 years scheduled to undergo phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (Ph... [+2]

History of amblyopia or neuro-ophthalmic disease in the operative eye. [+3]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Clinical Trial on the Visual Function of Enhanced Monofocal and EDoF Intraocular Lenses

Randomized clinical trial to evaluate the visual performance of enhanced monofocal and extended depth-of-field intraocular lenses

Participants needed: 90
Trial details
Age: 45-80Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Fundació Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant PauUpdated: Jul 20, 2026
Eligibility criteria

Patients with bilateral cataracts at different stages of development. [+4]

Vitreous loss. [+2]

Status: Recruiting

Evaluation of Visual Outcomes, Complications, and Neuroadaptation Following Bilateral Implantation of enVista Envy Trifocal Intraocular Lenses

The enVista Envy intraocular lens (IOL) manufactured by Bausch + Lomb is a new multifocal intraocular lens based on diffractive optics. It was registered with the Polish Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products in September 2025. The lens also bears the CE mark, indicating that it is approved for marketing and use within the European Union. Its innovative design is based on a smooth, continuous transition between diffractive rings, allowing patients to achieve excellent visual quality at far, intermediate, and near distances while reducing the incidence and severity of unwanted photic phenomena such as glare and halos. Thanks to this technology, patients may achieve better uncorrected visual acuity, reduced dependence on spectacles, and faster neuroadaptation. The Second Department of Ophthalmology is the first center in Poland to be offered participation in a clinical study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the enVista Envy IOL. The planned study will provide the first clinical experience with this lens in Poland and contribute to expanding knowledge regarding modern intraocular lens technologies. Twenty patients will be selected according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Preoperative assessment will include a comprehensive ophthalmic examination and IOL power calculation. Cataract surgery will be performed using bimanual MICS (Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery) phacoemulsification. Surgery in the fellow eye will be performed one month after the first procedure. Before surgery and during follow-up visits at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, the following assessments will be performed: routine ophthalmic examination, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, visual evoked potentials (VEP), monocular and binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), distance best-corrected visual acuity (DBCVA) at 4 meters, intermediate visual acuity (66 cm) and near visual acuity (40 cm), both corrected and uncorrected, monocularly and binocularly (logMAR charts), binocular contrast sensitivity testing, and defocus curve assessment. Intraoperative and postoperative complications, quality of vision (using the standardized Quality of Vision Questionnaire \[QoV\] and the Near Activity Vision Questionnaire \[NAVQ\]), speed of neuroadaptation, spectacle independence, and the occurrence of photic phenomena such as glare and halos will also be analyzed.

Participants needed: 20
Trial details
Age: 50-75Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Pomeranian Medical University SzczecinUpdated: Jul 10, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Bilateral cataract or refractive lens exchange candidates. [+5]

Glaucoma. [+19]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Clinical Evaluation of a Novel Trifocal IOL

The purpose of this study is to understand the visual outcomes of the investigational intraocular lens (IOL) Model LPYWT0 when compared to the commercially marketed Clareon PanOptix Pro IOL Model PXYWT0.

Participants needed: 66
Trial details
Age: 22+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Alcon ResearchUpdated: Jul 8, 2026Locations: 4
Eligibility criteria

The calculated power needed for the artificial lens (IOL) must be between +15.0... [+3]

Clinically significant corneal diseases which may, according to the investigator... [+4]

Status: Recruiting

A Study on the Application of Smart Bed-Exit Alert Assistive Devices for Detecting Preoperative Bed Exits in Ophthalmic Surgery Patients in the Operating Room

This prospective, randomized interventional study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a smart bed-exit alert system for patients undergoing cataract surgery during the preoperative waiting period. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the smart bed-exit alert system group or the standard care group. The study will compare nurse bedside visit frequency and nursing care time during the preoperative waiting period to evaluate whether the smart bed-exit alert system improves patient safety and nursing care efficiency.

Participants needed: 160
Trial details
Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Taiwan University HospitalUpdated: Jul 9, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Patients undergoing cataract surgery.

Age under 18 years. [+1]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Survey of Sensory Impairment Indicators Among Adults Aged 65 Years and Older in Xinxing County

This cross-sectional population-based survey will be conducted among residents aged 65 years and older in Xinxing County, Yunfu, Guangdong Province, China. The study will use standardized eye examinations, visual acuity and refractive assessment, anterior segment examination, hearing screening and questionnaires to estimate effective refractive error coverage, effective cataract surgical coverage, effective hearing technology coverage, common eye disease status, and dual sensory impairment among older adults. The findings are intended to provide evidence for primary-level eye and hearing health services.

Participants needed: 2,854
Trial details
Age: 65+Biological sex: AllType: ObservationalSponsor: Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen UniversityUpdated: Jul 10, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Aged 65 years or older. [+1]

Unable to cooperate with study-related examinations, including because of disabi... [+2]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Prospective, Randomized, Parallel-group Comparison of Two Refractive EDOF Intraocular Lenses: Johnson & Johnson Tecnis PureSee Versus 1stQ Comfort Z-EDOF

This study compares two types of artificial lens (intraocular lens, or IOL) used during cataract surgery. Both are extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses, designed to give clear vision across a range of distances - far and intermediate - so that people depend less on glasses after surgery. The two lenses, the Tecnis PureSee and the 1stQ Comfort Z-EDOF, use different optical designs, and it is not yet known whether one provides a wider range of clear vision than the other. Adults having cataract surgery in both eyes may take part. Each participant is randomly assigned to receive one of the two lens types, and the same lens type is implanted in both eyes. Neither the participant nor the staff measuring vision knows which lens was used until the main 6-month assessment is complete. After surgery, participants attend check-ups at 1, 3, and 6 months. The study measures how wide a range of distances each person can see clearly, along with vision at different distances, quality of vision, side effects such as glare or halos, and overall satisfaction. The results will help doctors and patients choose between these lens types.

Participants needed: 110
Trial details
Age: 40+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Vienna Hospital AssociationUpdated: Jul 7, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Age ≥40 years, able to understand the study and give written informed consent [+9]

Prior corneal refractive surgery, corneal transplantation, glaucoma filtering su... [+16]

Status: Recruiting

Small RNA tRF-31 Changes in Patients With Age-Related Cataract

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the expression characteristics and clinical relevance of the tRF-31/HIPK2 signaling axis in adults over 18 years old with age-related cataract (ARC). The main questions it aims to answer are: Is there a correlation between the relative expression levels of tRF-31 and its target gene HIPK2 in the anterior lens capsule and the clinical severity (Emery-Little grading system) of age-related cataracts? Does oxidative stress in the anterior segment microenvironment have a potential bystander effect on the state of the corneal endothelium? Participants will:Undergo routine preoperative ophthalmologic examinations, including visual acuity tests, slit-lamp photography, and corneal endothelial cell counting. Undergo standard cataract surgery (phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation) as part of their regular medical care. Allow researchers to collect and analyze their anterior lens capsule tissue, which is routinely removed and typically discarded as medical waste during the standard continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) step of the surgery.

Participants needed: 200
Trial details
Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: ObservationalSponsor: Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityUpdated: Jun 29, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Not listed

Status: Not yet recruiting

Effects of Oxygen Cage Support During Cataract Surgery

Cataract is an ocular disorder resulting from lens opacity; it stands as the most common cause of preventable blindness worldwide and significantly impairs the quality of life in elderly individuals. Surgical treatment utilizing small-incision phacoemulsification is the most effective solution for cataracts. Cataract surgery is generally performed under local anesthesia, which requires patients to remain awake throughout the operation, thereby potentially increasing their anxiety experiences. Elevated anxiety not only reduces patient comfort but can also lead to alterations in physiological parameters and a prolongation of the operation time. Furthermore, it is observed that the surgical drapes used to maintain the sterility of the surgical field during the operation cause discomfort to the patient. The weight and positioning of these drapes can cover the patient's mouth and nose area during the ongoing surgery, creating a sensation of difficulty in breathing (dyspnea). In addition to these circumstances, standard oxygen support is provided to the patient during cataract surgery performed under local anesthesia. This support is administered nasally via an open-ended oxygen tubing from beneath the surgical drape, aiming to ease the patient's respiration. However, when the oxygen flow rate is increased based on the patient's needs, high-velocity and high-concentration oxygen administration is observed to cause mucosal dryness, which shortly triggers reflex-induced irritative coughing attacks. For these reasons, it is crucial to keep anxiety under control, provide oxygen to prevent hypoxia, and monitor physiological parameters during cataract surgery.

Participants needed: 70
Trial details
Age: 18-90Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Ataturk UniversityUpdated: Jun 26, 2026
Eligibility criteria

Willing to participate in the study voluntarily and provides informed consent [+3]

Conversion from local anesthesia to general anesthesia during the surgery [+1]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Clareon TruPlus vs Tecnis Eyhance IOLs in Cataract Patients

This study is a prospective, randomized, two-arm, single-center, single-surgeon, double-masked (subject and assessor) comparative study. It involves bilateral implantation of intraocular lenses (IOLs), comparing Clareon TruPlus IOL and Tecnis Eyhance IOLs in normal cataract patients. The study will be conducted at one site and will include a pre-operative visit and a 3-month post-operative assessment.

Participants needed: 70
Trial details
Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: ObservationalSponsor: Gainesville Eye AssociatesUpdated: Jun 18, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Willing and able to understand and sign informed consent. [+5]

Moderate-severe corneal pathology, irregular astigmatism, preexisting macular di... [+6]

Status: Recruiting

Effect of Dry Eye Treatment on Corneal Astigmatism Measurements

This prospective single-center study evaluates the effect of dry eye disease and short-term ocular surface treatment on the agreement and repeatability of corneal astigmatism measurements in patients with age-related cataract. Participants undergoing preoperative cataract evaluation are classified into a control group or a dry eye disease group according to ocular surface symptoms and objective tear film findings. All participants undergo ocular surface assessment and repeated corneal measurements using three commonly used devices: IOLMaster 700, Pentacam AXL, and iTrace Prime. Measurements include keratometric corneal astigmatism, total corneal astigmatism, and vector components of astigmatism. Patients with dry eye disease receive 0.3% sodium hyaluronate eye drops four times daily for 2 weeks, after which ocular surface assessment and device measurements are repeated. The primary objective is to determine whether dry eye disease reduces interdevice agreement and test-retest repeatability of corneal astigmatism measurements, and whether short-term ocular surface treatment improves measurement stability. Interdevice agreement is assessed using Bland-Altman analysis, and repeatability is evaluated using within-subject standard deviation, test-retest repeatability, and intraclass correlation coefficient.

Participants needed: 400
Trial details
Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Jin YangUpdated: Jun 18, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Patients with age-related cataract undergoing preoperative ocular examination. [+4]

Previous ocular surgery or ocular trauma. [+9]

Status: Recruiting

Visual and Patient Reported Outcomes With Clareon TruPlus

This is a prospective, single-site, two-surgeon, single-arm, observational study evaluating the Clareon TruPlus IOL. Subjects will be assessed up to 3 months post-operatively. Clinical evaluations will include refractive outcomes, visual acuity, and administration of the IOLSAT Questionnaire.

Participants needed: 40
Trial details
Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: ObservationalSponsor: OVO LASIK + LensUpdated: Jun 15, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Willing and able to understand and sign informed consent. [+2]

Subjects targeted for monovision. [+5]

Status: Recruiting

Development of a Mobile Terminal-Based Intelligent Detection System for Multiple Anterior Segment Diseases of the Eye

This is a multi-center, cross-sectional study evaluating a smartphone-based artificial intelligence (AI) system for anterior segment eye disease screening. The system is designed to identify 16 clinically important anterior segment conditions from images captured using a standard Android smartphone. A core design feature of the system is that all image analysis is performed entirely on the smartphone itself, without requiring internet connectivity or cloud-based server infrastructure. The study is motivated by a structural challenge in the deployment of medical AI: systems that depend on cloud infrastructure for inference are non-functional in settings without reliable internet access, which disproportionately excludes populations in low-resource regions where the burden of preventable eye disease is highest. This study evaluates whether an on-device AI system, designed with operational constraints as a primary engineering objective, can deliver clinically acceptable diagnostic performance while remaining operable under real-world connectivity limitations. The study comprises five evaluation components. First, the diagnostic performance of the AI system is benchmarked against board-certified ophthalmologists of varying seniority on a standardized set of smartphone-captured anterior segment images. Second, the usability of the system is evaluated among non-medical users who perform self-administered screening with minimal instruction, with per-screening time recorded across consecutive attempts to characterize the learning curve. Third, a head-to-head field trial directly compares the on-device AI system against a functionally equivalent cloud-based deployment of the same model architecture across key operational dimensions including screening duration, diagnostic performance, and user acceptability. Fourth, population-level screening is conducted among consecutively enrolled community residents at two low-resource sites, with per-disease sensitivity and specificity calculated against reference-standard slit-lamp examinations. Fifth, pre-specified health-economic and environmental analyses compare the two deployment modalities in terms of per-person screening cost, cost-effectiveness, per-inference electricity consumption, and projected carbon emissions at scale. The reference standard for all diagnostic comparisons is slit-lamp biomicroscopic examination performed by board-certified ophthalmologists. The study is designed and reported in accordance with the DECIDE-AI reporting guideline for early-stage clinical evaluation of AI-driven decision-support systems.

Participants needed: 3,000
Trial details
Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: ObservationalSponsor: Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen UniversityUpdated: Jun 9, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Adults aged 18 years or older; [+1]

Unable to cooperate with anterior segment image capture (including smartphone-ba...