Neuroplasticity of Pain Pathways and Corneal Afferent Regeneration Following Corneal Crosslinking (CXL) in Keratoconus
Boston Children's Hospital
Summary
Evaluation of neuroplasticity of pain pathways and corneal afferent nerve regeneration following corneal crosslinking (CXL) in keratoconus patients using fMRI and corneal In Vivo Confocal Microscopy (IVCM).
Description
Our long-term goal is to evaluate the transition from acute to chronic pain that sometimes occurs following CXL in keratoconus patients. This study will determine whether these changes can be structurally and functionally quantified using functional neuroimaging and in vivo corneal microscopy (IVCM), and whether they can be predicted based on predisposing biological and psychological factors. Our central hypothesis is that CXL produces acute pain through activation of trigeminal afferents, and that post-operative chronic pain outcomes are related to neuroplastic changes in trigeminal circuitry…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 8–35 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: CXL Group * Age 8-35 years * Clinical diagnosis of keratoconus and seeking CXL treatment * English speaking ability sufficient to comprehend consent with parental assistance * MRI compatible * Ability to lie still for an MRI session (60 minutes) Control Group * Age 8-35 years * No diagnosis of keratoconus * English speaking ability sufficient to comprehend consent with parental assistance * MRI compatible * Ability to lie still for an MRI session (60 minutes) Exclusion Criteria (Both Groups): * Claustrophobic * Weight \> 285 lbs (weight limit of the MRI table) * Signi…
Location
- Boston Children's HospitalBoston, Massachusetts