Treatment allocation in ophthalmological randomised-control trials (TAO-RCT): A cross-sectional meta-research study.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Ophthalmological randomised-control trials (RCTs) are complicated by inter-eye correlation, contralateral crossover effects, and heterogeneity in treatment allocation patterns. This study examined the prevalence of uncontrolled treatment allocation and its impact on outcomes in ophthalmological RCTs.

Methods

All ophthalmological RCTs published in 2022 were analysed in a cross-sectional study that adhered to a preregistered protocol (CRD42023474661). Eligible trials were assessed for treatment allocation patterns and clarity of reporting using a simple nomenclature system. Associations between uncontrolled allocation and study characteristics, reporting clarity, funding, and trial outcomes were examined.

Results

From 359 RCTs, 42 distinct allocation patterns we

SUBMITTER: Thirunavukarasu AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12402246 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature