Diabetes and Donor Tissue in Corneal Transplants
Official title: Diabetes Endothelial Keratoplasty Study (DEKS): Impact of Diabetes and Other Predictors on Corneal Transplant Endothelial Cell Loss and Success
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11531413 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies whether corneas from donors with diabetes affect the success of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and what factors predict better or worse outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $450,364 |
| NIH project number | 3UG1EY037206-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11531413 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults undergoing DMEK or related endothelial keratoplasty, especially those receiving donor tissue with known diabetes status.
✕Less likely to help
Patients receiving non-diabetic donor tissue with expected good outcomes may see limited additional benefit from this study.
What this research studies
The project follows up on prior findings to see if donor diabetes status and diabetes severity impact graft survival and endothelial cell loss after DMEK. It uses eye bank data and clinical follow-up to compare outcomes between diabetic and non-diabetic donor tissues over a one-year period and beyond. The goal is to provide clearer guidance for eye banks and surgeons on using diabetic donor tissue to improve transplant success.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, surgeons may make better tissue choices to improve transplant success and patient vision.
How similar studies have gone: Previous data suggest donor diabetes may affect outcomes, but results are mixed and further clarification is needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lass, Jonathan H — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Lass, Jonathan H
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Diabetes impact on corneal donor tissue for endothelial keratoplasty
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Diabetes and Donor Tissue in Corneal Transplants
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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.