Contribution of clinical trials to eye health

28/01/2026

Clinical trials represent a fundamental pillar in the advancement of modern medicine. Through rigorously designed studies, the safety and effectiveness of new treatments aimed at preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases are evaluated.

One of the main contributions of clinical trials in ophthalmology is the validation of innovative treatments. Thanks to these studies, drugs have been approved for conditions previously considered incurable, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic retinopathy. Anti-angiogenic agents such as ranibizumab, aflibercept and faricimab were developed and refined through clinical trials, improving the vision of millions of people over the past 20 years.

The development of new diagnostic tools, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), was also driven by clinical trials. These technologies make it possible to detect eye diseases at an early stage and to preserve vision more effectively.

The safety and efficacy of new treatments are assessed in controlled settings where these aspects are monitored meticulously. Participants undergo regular evaluations to assess their response and possible side effects. This process ensures that therapies are safe and effective.

Some clinical trials focus on unmet medical needs, offering hope to patients with few alternatives. Gene therapy for dry macular degeneration, previously untreatable, is now being investigated with promising results that could restore vision and quality of life.

Each clinical trial contributes to collective medical knowledge. Even if it does not lead to a new treatment, the data collected increase understanding of eye diseases and their mechanisms. Clinical trials not only validate new therapies, but also improve the quality of life of millions of people with visual conditions. Investing in ophthalmic clinical research is not only a medical necessity, but also a commitment to a future in which the prevention and treatment of blindness are increasingly effective.

Victòria Hernández Grima, Head of the Clinical Trials Unit