Effect of Donor Diabetes and Other Factors on Corneal Transplant Endothelial Cell Loss and Success at 5 Years

Diabetes Endothelial Keratoplasty Study (DEKS): Impact of Diabetes and Other Predictors on Corneal Transplant Endothelial Cell Loss and Success

This multi-center clinical trial is designed to assess the association of diabetes in a cornea donor with transplant success and loss of endothelial cells 5 years following Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). Study eyes are assigned to receive either a cornea from a donor without diabetes or a cornea from a donor with diabetes in a masked fashion.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Willing to return to the study site for follow up at 3 and 5 years after a Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty procedure
• Fluent in English or Spanish
• Willing to have fingerstick blood sample collected to determine HbA1c level
• Participated and completed 12-month follow-up in the DEKS study for one or both eyes or a DEKS participant that had a study eye regraft prior to the 12-month visit.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Lack cognitive capacity such that consent could not be provided.