Clinical and Genetic Studies of Families With Congenital or Hereditary Cataracts
![]() |
The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details. |
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00056771 |
Recruitment Status
:
Completed
First Posted
: March 24, 2003
Last Update Posted
: April 5, 2018
|
- Study Details
- Tabular View
- No Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
This study will explore the clinical and hereditary (genetic) features of inherited cataracts. A cataract is a clouding of the eye lens, which focuses light on the back of the eye. When the lens becomes cloudy and does not let light through, vision is impaired. Cataracts may be associated with vision problems alone, or with other problems, such as changes in facial appearance or skin problems. A better understanding of these genetic conditions may help in the development of better diagnostic tests.
Patients with inherited cataracts and their family members may be eligible for this study. Participants will be drawn from patients enrolled in other studies of inherited cataracts at the NEI and collaborating clinics.
Participants will undergo the following tests and procedures:
- Medical and surgical history;
- Verification of diagnosis;
- Construction of a family tree regarding familial vision problems;
- Complete eye examination, including dilation of the pupils and photography of the lens, tests of color vision and field of vision, and of the ability to see in the dark;
- Blood sample collection (20 ml, or 4 teaspoons) for genetic studies of hereditary cataracts.
Condition or disease |
---|
Cataract |
Objective: This project, Clinical and Molecular Studies in Families with Congenital or Hereditary Cataracts will study the inheritance of genetic cataracts, both Mendelian and complex age related cataracts, in families of many nationalities and ethnic backgrounds in order to identify the genes that, when mutated, cause cataracts and the pathophysiology through which they act.
Study Population: Families of many nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. We will study a maximum or 5,000 patients and family members.
Design: The study consists of ascertaining individuals, and especially families with multiple individuals, affected by both congenital and age related cataracts. These patients and their families will undergo detailed ophthalmological examinations to characterize their cataracts and determine their affectation status. A blood sample will be collected from each individual for isolation of DNA and in some individuals for lymphoblastoid transformation to establish a renewable source of DNA. Linkage analysis, physical mapping, and mutational screening will be carried out to identify the specific the gene and the mutations in it that are associated with cataracts in this family. If necessary, the gene product will be characterized biochemically. The study will enroll subjects at NEI and collaborating institutions, the Centre for Excellence in Molecular Biology, Lahore, Pakistan, the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangzhou, China, the Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, India, and the University of Parma, Italy and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
Outcome Measures: Linkage will be determined using the lod score method and mutations in specific genes will be assessed using a combination of residue conservation, blosum score, and molecular modeling. Biochemical, metabolic, and physiological effects will be individualized to the specific assay.
Study Type : | Observational |
Actual Enrollment : | 3432 participants |
Observational Model: | Cohort |
Time Perspective: | Prospective |
Official Title: | Clinical and Molecular Studies in Families With Congenital or Hereditary Cataracts |
Study Start Date : | March 18, 2003 |
Study Completion Date : | May 25, 2016 |

- statistically significant linkage

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.
Ages Eligible for Study: | 4 Years and older (Child, Adult, Senior) |
Sexes Eligible for Study: | All |
Accepts Healthy Volunteers: | No |
- INCLUSION CRITERIA:
Subjects with the following will be recruited:
- Individuals or family members of individuals with inherited cataracts, either congenital, childhood, or age related.
- Adults must be capable of providing their own consent.
- All subjects must be able to cooperate with study examination and phlebotomy.
- Older than 4 years of age.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
- Diseases, infections, or trauma that mimic inherited cataracts.
- Children requiring sedation for study procedures.

To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contact information provided by the sponsor.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT00056771
United States, Maryland | |
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, 9000 Rockville Pike | |
Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892 | |
China | |
Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center | |
Guangzhou, China | |
India | |
Aravind Eye Hospital | |
Maduri, India | |
Italy | |
University of Parma | |
Parma, Italy | |
Pakistan | |
Centre for Excellence in Molecular Biology | |
Lahore, Pakistan |
Principal Investigator: | James F Hejtmancik, M.D. | National Eye Institute (NEI) |
Publications:
Responsible Party: | National Eye Institute (NEI) |
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT00056771 History of Changes |
Other Study ID Numbers: |
030123 03-EI-0123 |
First Posted: | March 24, 2003 Key Record Dates |
Last Update Posted: | April 5, 2018 |
Last Verified: | May 25, 2016 |
Keywords provided by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) ( National Eye Institute (NEI) ):
Cataract Congenital Cataracts Hereditary Cataracts |
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Cataract Lens Diseases Eye Diseases |