RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Risk of Posterior Staphyloma in Highly Myopic Europeans : From Epidemiology to Anatomy.

This study wants to learn more about posterior staphyloma, which is a bulge at the back of the eye that can affect people with very short sight (called high myopia). Researchers are looking at the genes of 600 European adults with high myopia, some who have this bulge and some who don't. They will collect blood samples for DNA and conduct eye scans according to a standard plan across three European hospitals. The goal is to find out if certain genes play a role in developing posterior staphyloma. This could lead to a better understanding and potentially new ways to manage the condition in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

200

Start

02 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

High Myopia

What is this study about?

This study is trying to understand more about a condition called posterior staphyloma. This is a bulging or thinning at the back of the eye, which can sometimes happen in people who have severe short-sightedness, known as high myopia. While experts know high myopia increases the risk, they don't fully understand why some people get staphyloma and others don't.

Researchers believe that our genes might play a role. They are collecting blood samples to look at DNA, which carries our genetic information. By comparing the genes of people with high myopia who have staphyloma to those with high myopia who don’t, they hope to find specific genetic differences that could be linked to the condition. This study is being done in three hospitals across Europe – in the Netherlands, Spain, and France.

The information gathered from this study could be very important. If researchers can identify genes linked to posterior staphyloma, it could help them better predict who is at risk and develop new ways to diagnose or even treat the condition in the future. It’s all about building a clearer picture to help people with high myopia and related eye problems.

Key takeaways

Study aims to understand posterior staphyloma in highly myopic Europeans.
Will collect blood samples for DNA and eye scan data.
Compares genetics of people with and without posterior staphyloma.
Hopes to find genetic links to the eye condition.
Could help develop better ways to predict or treat the condition.
No new medication or extra visits beyond usual care.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult aged 18 or over. You must also have severe short-sightedness, known as high myopia (which means your glasses prescription is at least -6 dioptres or the length of your eyeball is 26mm or more).

It’s important that your eye scans are clear and show good detail. You'll also need to be able to give your informed consent to take part, meaning you understand the study and agree to participate. You will also need to be part of a social security scheme, like the NHS in the UK, or be entitled to one.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to join. These include having other health conditions like diabetes, certain inflammatory diseases, retinitis pigmentosa, or other types of genetic eye conditions that affect the back of the eye. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, or those under legal guardianship, also cannot participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have high myopia (very severe short-sightedness)?
Do you have clear, good quality images of the back of your eye?
Do you have no other eye diseases or systemic health conditions affecting your eye?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will visit one of the participating hospitals (in the Netherlands, Spain, or France). During your visit, you will have your eyes checked as you normally would, as part of your standard care.

In addition to your usual check-up, a blood sample will be taken. This blood sample is for genetic testing, to look at your DNA. All the information collected from your eye exams and your blood sample will be safely stored in an online database. The study doesn't involve any medication or extra follow-up visits beyond your usual appointments. The exact number of visits will depend on your hospital's standard practice, as this study is integrated into regular care.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is contributing to a better understanding of posterior staphyloma, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment for future patients with high myopia. There is no direct personal medical benefit to you from participating. The main risk involves the minor discomfort and very small risk of bruising or infection from giving a blood sample, similar to any routine blood test. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Cochin Hospital
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is high myopia?

High myopia is severe short-sightedness, meaning you need strong glasses or contact lenses to see distant objects clearly. This study defines it as a prescription of -6 dioptres or more.

What is posterior staphyloma?

Posterior staphyloma is a bulge or thinned area that can develop at the back of the eye in some people with very high myopia.

Why is this study looking at genes?

Researchers believe our genes might play a role in developing posterior staphyloma. By studying DNA, they hope to find genetic differences linked to the condition.

Will I get any results from my blood sample?

You will not receive individual results from your genetic analysis. The study aims to look for patterns across many people, not individual diagnoses.

Do I have to travel abroad to take part?

This study is currently being conducted in hospitals in the Netherlands, Spain, and France. You would need to be attending one of these hospitals for your regular eye care to participate.

How to find out more

Francine Behar-Cohen, MD, PhD

francine.cohen@aphp.fr 06 60 97 44 19 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.