FLAME Trail in Ethiopia

April 2021

The FLAME team is a group of Ethiopian, American, British and Australian researchers, under the leadership of Dr. Kempen, conducting research to improve surgical outcomes for trachomatous trichiasis (TT). This large-scale clinical trial primarily funded by the National Eye Institute/National Institutes of Health is testing whether adding low-potency corticosteroid drops at the time of trachomatous trichiasis surgery improves surgical outcomes and reduces relapses. The preliminary trial showed a 30% improvement with the approach. The FLAME Trial is a confirmatory, large-scale trial with sufficient statistical power to justify the widespread implementation of the approach if confirmed. The Trial also provides many additional opportunities to improve knowledge and management of trachomatous trichiasis.   

What is FLAME? 

FLAME stands for FLuorometholone as Adjunctive MEdical Therapy for TT Surgery. It is a trial through which data is being collected to support research and medical innovation. This FLAME Trial will access the efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness of florometholone 0.1% as an adjuctive treatment to trachomatous trichiasis surgery in rural Ethiopia. Sight for Souls assists Mass Eye and Ear, Berhan Public Health and Eye Care Consultancy, the Fred Hollows Foundation, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in implementing this program primarily through providing additional support to Dr. Kempen the study’s chair.