Alan Sugar, MD

Research Summary

Dr. Sugar has been involved in clinical research on corneal transplantation throughout his career.  He is on the steering committee of the Corneal Donor Study, a long-term national collaborative study evaluating the role of corneal donor characteristics, especially age, and the outcomes of corneal transplants.  Ten year results are now being evaluated.  A follow-up study evaluating corneal transplant donor corneas for newer forms of corneal transplants, endothelial keratoplasties, has been submitted for funding.  Factors influencing corneal graft rejection are being assessed in these studies.

A study of the genetic features of Fuchs dystrophy, a common corneal condition leading to corneal swelling in middle-aged and older eyes, is ongoing.  A study of the prevalence of corneal dystrophies in a large population is nearing completion.

New treatments for severely dry eyes, particularly those caused by bone marrow transplants, are also under study in the cornea clinic.  A new type of sclera contact lens designed to protect the surface of damaged corneas is under investigation in collaboration with optometrists in our clinic.

Dr. Sugar is also involved with eye research through his work on the research committees of the Eye Bank Association of America and the Michigan Eye Bank.  He is a co-chair of the University of Michigan Medical School's Institutional Review Board (IRBMED) which oversees human subjects research for the University of Michigan Medical Center.