Comparing two methods of glaucoma drainage device implantation

Glaucoma Drainage Device and Endothelial Cell Loss Compare Trial

Not applicable Interventional University of Pennsylvania · NCT05924477

This study is testing whether placing a glaucoma drainage device in the front part of the eye or in a different spot helps people with glaucoma manage their eye pressure and cell health better over time.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment226 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Pennsylvania Academic / other
Locations8 sites (San Francisco, California and 7 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05924477 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The DECLARE Trial is a multi-center, randomized clinical trial designed to compare the effects of glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation in two different locations: the anterior chamber and the ciliary sulcus. This study aims to assess the impact of these placements on endothelial cell density and intraocular pressure over a 12-month follow-up period, with an extended follow-up of 24 months for additional outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two tube placement groups, ensuring balanced representation across clinical centers and surgical types. The trial employs a double-masked design to minimize bias in outcome assessment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with medically uncontrolled glaucoma requiring a glaucoma drainage device.

Not a fit: Patients with preexisting corneal conditions or those who have undergone previous glaucoma surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical techniques that minimize endothelial cell loss in glaucoma patients.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar surgical techniques, but this specific comparison of tube placement locations is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Medically uncontrolled glaucoma requiring GDD or GDD combined with phacoemulsification as the planned surgical procedure
* Candidate for GDD implantation for ciliary sulcus and AC tube
* Age greater than or equal to 18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

* Preexisting corneal condition that would affect the corneal endothelium or previous corneal transplant
* Presence or history of Cypass Micro-Stent
* Previous GDD, Xen Gel Stent or Preserflo MicroShunt removed less than 6 months before surgery
* Presence of GDD implantation, Xen Gel Stent, of Preserflo MicroShunt
* Previous trabeculectomy and/or minimally invasive glaucoma surgery within the past 6 months
* AC intraocular lens
* Presence of nanophthalmos, uncontrolled uveitis, silicone oil, Sturge-Weber syndrome or other conditions associated with elevated episcleral venous pressure
* Unwilling or unable to give consent, unwilling to accept randomization, or unable to return for scheduled protocol visits
* No light perception vision in the study eye or fellow eye visual acuity \< 20/200
* Need for glaucoma surgery combined with other ocular procedures (i.e. corneal transplant, or retinal surgery) or anticipated need for additional ocular surgery

Where this trial is running

San Francisco, California and 7 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Glaucomaglaucomaglaucoma drainage deviceendothelial cell densityendothelial cell lossintraocular pressure
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.