This observational study is looking at how corneal crosslinking (CXL) treatment for keratoconus affects pain. Researchers want to understand if changes in pain can be measured in the brain using fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) and in the eye's nerves using IVCM (in vivo confocal microscopy). They are also interested in whether these changes can be predicted. The study aims to see if CXL causes acute pain by activating certain nerves and if long-term pain is linked to changes in brain pathways and nerve regrowth. You might be able to join if you are between 8 and 35 years old, have keratoconus and are seeking CXL treatment, or if you are in the same age range without keratoconus. Success for this study means being able to identify and measure these changes in pain pathways and corneal nerves. The current recruitment status is unclear.

Study design

This is an observational study planning to enroll 60 participants, divided into a CXL group and a control group.

What's involved

Participants will need to be able to lie still for an MRI session lasting 60 minutes.

Compensation

Not stated in the trial record.

Follow-up

Neural activity related to pain and corneal nerve morphology will be measured at 1 year.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.