Eye Disease & Ophthalmology Clinical Trials Update: Week 40, 2026

Published October 2, 2026 — 5 trials covered

By Victor Lafforgue, Founder of TrialsAlert. Blog posts are AI-drafted from ClinicalTrials.gov source data and reviewed by the editorial team. See our editorial policy for details.

The Safety and Efficacy of SYD-101 in Children With Myopia

This Phase 3 trial studied SYD-101 eye drops designed to slow the worsening of nearsightedness in children. With 852 children enrolled from several countries, the results suggest that using SYD-101 may help reduce the risk of serious eye problems later in life by controlling how quickly myopia progresses during childhood. This offers hope for families seeking ways to protect their children’s long-term vision health.

Correcting Myopia Among Secondary School Children to Increase Academic High School Attendance Rates in Rural Communities

This ongoing study is exploring whether giving free glasses to children with nearsightedness can help them attend academic high schools more regularly. Conducted with about 10,000 children in China and the UK, it highlights how improving vision could support better school attendance and learning opportunities in rural areas. The findings may guide future efforts to combine eye care with education support.

A Study of the Safety and Tolerability of ASP7317 in Senior Adults Who Are Losing Their Clear, Sharp Central Vision Due to Geographic Atrophy Secondary to Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration

This Phase 1b trial is testing a new stem cell treatment called ASP7317 aimed at older adults experiencing vision loss from a form of age-related macular degeneration. By potentially replacing damaged cells in the retina, this treatment might offer a new option to improve or maintain vision where current care has limited effects. The study is recruiting in the United States and includes several doses with a follow-up period of one year.

AI-Stratified Myopia Control for Children in Remote Areas

This study is testing an artificial intelligence approach to manage myopia in children living in remote locations. By using AI to assess risk and guide treatment, the trial hopes to provide an easier and more effective way to control nearsightedness without needing complex eye exams. The study plans to enroll 1600 children in China and follow their progress over 12 months, potentially offering a practical solution for underserved communities.

Clinical Gene Therapy Protocol for the Treatment of Retinal Dystrophy Caused by Defects in RPE65

Completed in France, this Phase 1 trial evaluated a gene therapy for patients with Leber Congenital Amaurosis caused by mutations in the RPE65 gene. The therapy aims to improve vision by correcting the underlying genetic defect, providing hope beyond supportive care alone. While results are still being analyzed, this trial marks an important step toward developing new treatments for inherited retinal diseases.

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