Comparing tube positions in glaucoma implants to protect corneal cells
Official title: Glaucoma Drainage Device and Endothelial Cell Density Loss Compare (DECLARE) Trial
Funded at University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11520347 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial compares two tube placements for glaucoma drainage implants to see which better protects corneal cells and controls eye pressure in people with uncontrolled glaucoma.
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 start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $14,580 |
| NIH project number | 3UG1EY033703-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11520347 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with medically uncontrolled glaucoma who are scheduled for a glaucoma drainage device procedure and meet the study's eligibility criteria are ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People who do not need GDD surgery, have active ocular infections, or have prior corneal transplants or other conditions that prevent either tube placement may not benefit from this trial.
What this research studies
You would be randomly assigned to have the drainage tube placed either in the ciliary sulcus (behind the iris) or in the anterior chamber (front of the eye). About 240 patients will be enrolled across multiple centers and the outcome reviewers will be masked to which placement you received. The team will measure corneal endothelial cell loss, intraocular pressure control, and changes in the anterior chamber microenvironment over time. Regular in-person eye exams and imaging will track these outcomes after surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could identify a tube position that reduces corneal cell loss and lowers the risk of corneal failure after glaucoma surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous evidence is limited to a few small retrospective studies with mixed results, so this larger randomized trial is novel and intended to provide more definitive answers.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Ying — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Han, Ying
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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.