Comparison of two procedures for treating Fuchs endothelial dystrophy

Descemet Endothelial Thickness Comparison Trials (DETECT I & II)

Phase 3 Interventional Stanford University · NCT05275972

This study is testing two different eye surgeries for people with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy to see which one helps improve vision and eye health better.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorStanford University Academic / other
Locations8 sites (Palo Alto, California and 7 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05275972 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial compares two surgical approaches for patients with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy: Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) and Descemet Stripping Only (DSO) with the addition of Ripasudil. The study is a multi-center, outcome assessor-masked, placebo-controlled trial that will randomize 60 patients to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions. Participants will be monitored for outcomes related to endothelial function and visual clarity post-surgery. The trial aims to determine which procedure offers better results for patients suffering from this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years with dysfunctional endothelium from Fuchs endothelial dystrophy and specific endothelial cell counts.

Not a fit: Patients with significant pre-existing ocular conditions or prior intraocular surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and visual clarity for patients with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in similar surgical approaches for treating endothelial dystrophies, suggesting potential for success in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Dysfunctional endothelium from FECD with few guttata extending beyond 4.5 mm
* Peripheral endothelial cell count \>1000 cells/mm2 in at least one quadrant
* Good surgical candidate for either procedure as determined by the surgeon
* Willingness to participate
* Age greater than 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Aphakia, anterior chamber IOL or scleral fixated IOL in study eye prior to or anticipated during EK
* Pre-operative central sub-epithelial or stromal scarring that the investigator believes is visually significant and could impact post-operative stromal clarity assessment
* Other primary endothelial dysfunction such as PPMD
* Visually significant optic nerve or macular pathology
* Hypotony (Intraocular pressure \<10mmHg)
* Any prior intraocular surgery other than cataract surgery
* \>3 clock hours of ANY anterior or posterior synechiae
* \>1 quadrant of stromal corneal vascularization
* Inability to comply with post-operative instructions (i.e. unable to position)
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Palo Alto, 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 FuchsFuchs DystrophyFuchs' Endothelial Dystrophy
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.