Comparing tube placements for glaucoma to protect corneal cells
Glaucoma Drainage Device and Endothelial Cell Density Loss Compare (DECLARE) Trial
This study compares two places surgeons can put glaucoma drainage tubes to find which approach best preserves corneal endothelial cells for people whose glaucoma isn't controlled with medicines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308676 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If your glaucoma is not controlled with eye drops and you need a glaucoma drainage device, you could be randomly assigned to have the tube placed either in the anterior chamber or in the ciliary sulcus. The trial enrolls about 240 people across multiple eye centers and keeps outcome reviewers masked to the tube location. Doctors will measure corneal endothelial cell counts, eye pressure (IOP), and features of the front eye environment over time after surgery. The study looks at long-term cell loss, pressure control, and any tube-iris contact or other complications tied to tube location.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with medically uncontrolled glaucoma who are scheduled for glaucoma drainage device implantation are the ideal candidates for this trial.
Not a fit: People whose glaucoma is well controlled with medications, or those with preexisting severe corneal disease that already compromises the endothelium, may not benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help surgeons choose a tube location that reduces corneal cell loss and lowers the risk of corneal failure after glaucoma surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Only a few small retrospective studies have compared sulcus versus anterior chamber tube placement and results have been mixed, with no large randomized trial reported until now.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Ying — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Han, Ying
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.