Jonathan H. Lass

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Case Western Reserve University
School of Medicine
Ophthalmology
ChairmanAppointed: 1993
Case Western Reserve University
School of Medicine
Ophthalmology
Charles I Thomas ProfessorAppointed: 1993
St. Vincent Charity Hospital
Ophthalmology
StaffAppointed: 2001
UHHS Richmond Heights Hospital
Ophthalmology
StaffAppointed: 2001
University Hospitals of Cleveland
Ophthalmology
ChairmanAppointed: 1993
MetroHealth Medical Center
Ophthalmology
StaffAppointed: 1983
Cleveland Veterans Administration Medical Center
Ophthalmology
StaffAppointed: 1979
Professional Headshot of Jonathan H. Lass

Mailing Address

11100 Euclid Ave.
University Hospitals Case Medical Center
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
United States

Contact Information

Phone: (216) 844-8590
Fax: (216) 983-0524
jonathan.lass@case.edu

Qualifications

Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology, 1978.
M.D., Boston University, Cum laude, 1973.
A.B., Boston University, Liberal Arts and Medicine (magna cum laude), 1972.

Expertise and Research Interests

I currently have two major research areas of interest:
1. Corneal endothelial image analysis
2. Genetics of Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy


1. Corneal endothelial image analysis:

Using a HAI corneal endothelial image analysis system which processes digital, video, and 35mm images, we can determine sequentially the effects of various surgical procedures (e.g., corneal transplantation, phacoemulsification) or drugs (e.g. topical glaucoma medication) on the corneal endothelium. From these images, we can determine endothelial cell area, density, coefficient of variation, figure coefficient, and percentage of hexagonal cells. We are currently serving as the specular microscopy reading center for a 1101 patient multi-center prospective trial sponsored by the National Eye Institute funded study, the Cornea Donor Study (U10 EY12728), examining the effect of donor age on graft and endothelial survival over 5 years. The study published its 5 years results in April 2008 concluding that donor age does not impact graft survival--82% clear grafts in both groups; however, those grafts that remained clear after 5 years had greater cell loss in the donors over 65 (75%) vs. under 65 (69%). Followup has now been extended for another 5 years.

2. Genetics of Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy

Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD; MIM136800) is a common disease affecting approximately 1% of the general US population. Initially asymptomatic, individuals eventually present with decreased vision, foreign body sensation and pain upon waking. Slit lamp (microscopic) examination initially shows focal thickenings of the Descemet's membrane known as corneal guttae, with subsequent stromal edema (swelling), epithelial edema, and in advanced stages, painful bullous keratopathy. FECD is a common indication for corneal transplantation alone or in combination with cataract surgery. In addition, individuals undergoing cataract surgery with FECD are at significant risk for corneal decompensation requiring subsequent corneal transplantation. Molecular data on the genetic basis of corneal dystrophies is limited. With a significant population at risk, the identification of the gene(s) that may contribute to the dystrophy would be very useful for counseling, implementation of standard methods for therapeutic intervention, and ultimately gene modulation and/or therapy.

We are nearing completion of enrollment in a study funded by the National Eye Institute (R01 EY 01648)that used a network of over 25 sites around the country built by the active, multi-center NEI-funded Cornea Donor Study (CDS), along with other major corneal disease referral centers. Over 400 FECD families have been accumulated. We have first identified cases with advanced FECD and characterized the extent of familial clustering using a clinical measure of severity as a semi-quantitative trait. Family history, clinical, and other demographic information has been collected using a standardized instrument. Histopathologic confirmation of advanced index cases has been obtained. Blood samples have been collected for molecular genetic analyses. A web-based database has been constructed to facilitate multi-site data collection. A genome-wide scan will then be conducted utilizing DNA collected from the index cases and families. Model-free linkage analysis will be conducted using the DNA marker data in conjunction with the clinical data on FECD to identify linkage signals. To confirm evidence of linkage and to narrow the initial interval, additional markers will be typed in regions that demonstrate moderate to significant evidence of linkage (p0.05; LOD score  0.8). Finally candidate genes identified through previous investigations of a limited number of families (e.g. COL8A2) will be examined for mutations. Thus, we will investigate the importance of these genes on a more global basis by characterizing their role in a larger sample. We anticipate that this study will lead to novel insights into the etiology of FECD and the biology of the corneal endothelium.

Industrial Relevance

The Specular Microscopy Reading Center can provide a central reading center for analysis of specular images of the corneal endothelium in a highly reproducible manner by a single, certified observer. Studies are suitable when endothelial cell counts are required for safety and toxicity studies of the agents or procedures that may damage the endothelium.

Studies in our corneal immunology and inflammation laboratory have direct relevance for developing targeted therapies for corneal inflammation as a result of complications from contact lens wear, refractive surgery and other causes of keratitis. Studies on bacterial keratitis (IOVS 2002. 43:2278) were partly funded by Bausch & Lomb, Inc.

Keywords

COS Keywords:

Confocal Microscopy, Ophthalmology, Specialties of Medical and Allied Fields.

Additional Terms:

Confocal Microscopy, Corneal Endothelial Image Analysis, Corneal Endothelium, Corneal Inflammation, Corneal Transplantation, Ocular Immunology, Specular Microscopy.

Languages

(Reading, Writing, Speaking)

English: (Fluent, Fluent, Fluent)
German: (Basic, Basic, Basic)
Spanish: (Basic, Basic, Basic)

Memberships

American Academy of Ophthalmology
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
Cleveland Ophthalmological Society
Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists
Cornea Society
Eye Bank Association of America
Northern Ohio Medical Association
Ocular Microbiology and Immunology Group
Ohio Ophthalmological Society

Honors and Awards

2004, Senior Honor Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology
2002-2004, Best Doctors in Cleveland, Cleveland Magazine
2001, Top Ophthalmologist, Northern Ohio Live Magazine
1987, Honor Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology
1973, Phi Beta Kappa,
1972, Alpha Omega Alpha,

Previous Positions

1987-1993, Associate Professor, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Ophthalmology
1979-1987, Assistant Professor, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Ophthalmology
1977-1979, Research Fellow, Harvard University, Medical School, Schepens Research Institute, Corneal Research
1977-1979, Cornea Fellow, Harvard University, Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Cornea Service

Funding Received

  • National Eye Institute: Toll-like receptors in bacterial keratitis RO1 EY 14362, Dec 2002 to Nov 2007.
  • National Eye Institute: Neutrophils and eosinophils in Onchocerca keratitis R01 EY10320, Dec 2000 to Nov 2003.
  • National Eye Institute: Specular Microscopy Ancillary Study U10 EY12728, Aug 1999 to 2012.
  • National Eye Institute: P30 Core Grant P30 EY11373, Apr 2002 to Apr 2007.
  • National Eye Institute: A multi-centered study to map genes for Fuchs' Dystrophy, R01 EY 016482, 2005 to 2010.
  • National Eye Institute: CWRU Clinical Vision Research Initiative, R21 EY015145, 2004 to 2009.

Publications

  • Lass JH, Gal RL, Dontchev M, et al (2008) Donor age and corneal endothelial cell loss five years after successful corneal transplantation: Specular Microscopy Ancillary Study results, Ophthalmology, 115 (627-32)
  • Lass JH, Gal RL, Ruedy KJ, Benetz BA, Beck RW, Baratz KH, Holland EJ, Kalajian A, Kollman C, Manning FJ, Mannis MJ, McCoy K, Montoya M, Stulting D, Xing D, Cornea Donor Study Group (Mar 2005) An evaluation of image quality and accuracy of eye bank measurement of donor cornea endothelial cell density in the Specular Microscopy Ancillary Study, Ophthalmology, 112 (3), 431-40
  • Johnson AC, Heinzel FP, Diaconu E, Sun Y, Hise AG, Golenbock D, Lass JH, Pearlman E (Feb 2005) Activation of toll-like receptor (TLR)2, TLR4, and TLR9 in the mammalian cornea induces MyD88-dependent corneal inflammation, IOVS, 46 (2), 589-95
  • Szczotka-Flynn L, McMahon TT, Lass JH, Sugar J, Weissman BA, Stiegemeier MJ, Reinhart WJ (Apr 2004) Late-stage progressive corneal astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus, Cornea, 30 (2), 105-10
  • Berger RB, Blackwell NM, Lass JH, Diaconu E, Pearlman E, IL-4 and IL-13 regulation of ICAM-1 expression and eosinophil recruitment in Onchocerca volvulus keratitis, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 43(9), 2992-7, September 2002 Abstract
  • Khatri S, Lass JH, Heinzel FP, Petroll WM, Gomez J, Diaconu E, Kalsow CM, Pearlman E, Regulation of endotoxin-induced keratitis by PECAM-1, MIP-2, and toll-like receptor 4, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 43(7), 2278-84, July 2002 Abstract
  • Saint Andre A, Blackwell NM, Hall LR, Hoerauf A, Brattig NW, Volkmann L, Taylor MJ, Ford L, Hise AG, Lass JH, Diaconu E, Pearlman E, The role of endosymbiotic Wolbachia bacteria in the pathogenesis of river blindness, Science, 295(5561), 1892-5, March 2002 Abstract
  • Lass JH, Eriksson GL, Osterling L, Simpson CV, Latanoprost Corneal Effects Study Group, Comparison of the corneal effects of latanoprost, fixed combination latanoprost-timolol, and timolol: A double-masked, randomized, one-year study, Ophthalmology, 108(2), 264-71, February 2001 Abstract
  • Kaifi JT, Hall LR, Diaz C, Sypek J, Diaconu E, Lass JH, Pearlman E, Impaired eosinophil recruitment to the cornea in P-selectin-deficient mice in Onchocerca volvulus keratitis (River blindness), Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 41(12), 3856-61, November 2000 Abstract
  • Chakravarti S, Petroll WM, Hassell JR, Jester JV, Lass JH, Paul J, Birk DE, Corneal opacity in lumican-null mice: defects in collagen fibril structure and packing in the posterior stroma, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 41(11), 3365-73, October 2000 Abstract
  • Hall LR, Lass JH, Diaconu E, Strine ER, Pearlman E, An essential role for antibody in neutrophil and eosinophil recruitment to the cornea: B cell-deficient (microMT) mice fail to develop Th2-dependent, helminth-mediated keratitis, Journal of Immunology (baltimore, Md. : 1950), 163(9), 4970-5, November 1999 Abstract
  • Hong HK, Lass JH, Chakravarti A, Pleiotropic skeletal and ocular phenotypes of the mouse mutation congenital hydrocephalus \(ch/Mf1\) arise from a winged helix/forkhead transcriptionfactor gene., Human Molecular Genetics, 8(4), 625-37, April 1999 Abstract
  • Benetz BA, Diaconu E, Bowlin SJ, Oak SS, Laing RA, Lass JH, Comparison of corneal endothelial image analysis by Konan SP8000 noncontact and Bio-Optics Bambi systems, Cornea, 18(1), 67-72, Jan 1999 Abstract
  • Lass J H, Khosrof S A, Laurence J K, Horwitz B, Ghosh K, Adamsons I, A double-masked, randomized, 1-year study comparing the corneal effects of dorzolamide, timolol, and betaxolol. Dorzolamide Corneal Effects Study Group., Archives of Ophthalmology, 116(8), 1003-10, August 1998 Abstract
  • Pearlman E, Hall L R, Higgins A W, Bardenstein D S, Diaconu E, Hazlett F E, Albright J, Kazura J W, Lass J H, The role of eosinophils and neutrophils in helminth-induced keratitis., Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 39(7), 1176-82, June 1998 Abstract
  • Pearlman E, Hall LR, Higgins AW, Bardenstein DS, Diaconu E, Hazlett FE, Albright J, Kazura JW, Lass JH, The role of eosinophils and neutrophils in helminth-induced keratitis [published erratum appears in Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 1998 Aug;39\(9\):1641, Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 39(7), 1176-82, 1998 Abstract
  • Chakravarti S, Magnuson T, Lass JH, Jepsen KJ, LaMantia C, Carroll H, Lumican regulates collagen fibril assembly: skin fragility and corneal opacity in the absence of lumican., Journal of Cell Biology, 141(5), 1277-86, 1 1998 Abstract
  • Dornic D I, Thomas J M, Lass J H, Topical diclofenac sodium in the management of anesthetic abuse keratopathy., American Journal of Ophthalmology, 125(5), 719-21, May 1998 Abstract
  • Greiner J V, Glonek T, Lass J H, Tsubota K, Kenyon K R, Shimazaki J, Meneses P, Hirokawa K, Merchant T E, Hearn S L, Ex vivo phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy on eye bank corneas and corneal metabolic health., Graefes Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology, 235(11), 691-5, November 1997 Abstract
  • Bardenstein D S, Lass J H, Kazura J W, Pearlman E, Pleomorphism of stromal eosinophils in murine experimental onchocercal keratitis., Ocular Immunology and Inflammation, 5(3), 157-63, September 1997 Abstract
  • Pearlman E, Lass J H, Bardenstein D S, Diaconu E, Hazlett F E Jr, Albright J, Higgins A W, Kazura J W, IL-12 exacerbates helminth-mediated corneal pathology by augmenting inflammatory cell recruitment and chemokine expression., Journal of Immunology, 158(2), 827-33, 15 Jan 1997 Abstract
  • Pearlman E, Lass J H, Bardenstein D S, Diaconu E, Hazlett F E Jr, Albright J, Higgins A W, Kazura J W, Onchocerca volvulus-mediated keratitis: cytokine production by IL-4-deficient mice., Experimental Parasitology, 84(2), 274-81, November 1996 Abstract
  • Pearlman E, Lass J H, Bardenstein D S, Kopf M, Hazlett F E Jr, Diaconu E, Kazura J W, Interleukin 4 and T helper type 2 cells are required for development of experimental onchocercal keratitis (river blindness)., Journal of Experimental Medicine, 182(4), 931-40, 1 Oct 1995 Abstract
  • Chakravarti B, Lass J H, Diaconu E, Roy C E, Herring T A, Chakravarti D N, Greene B M, Characterization of native pathogenic antigens of Onchocerca volvulus: identification of high molecular mass protein antigens eliciting interstitial keratitis in a guinea pig model., Experimental Eye Research, 60(4), 347-58, April 1995 Abstract
  • Lass J H, Greiner J V, Merchant T E, Glonek T, The effects of age on phosphatic metabolites of the human cornea., Cornea, 14(1), 89-94, January 1995 Abstract
  • Bardenstein D S, Dietz Y, Lass J H, Medof M E, Localization of the complement membrane attack complex inhibitor (CD59) in human conjunctiva and lacrimal gland., Current Eye Research, 13(12), 851-5, December 1994 Abstract
  • Chakravarti B, Herring T A, Lass J H, Parker J S, Bucy R P, Diaconu E, Tseng J, Whitfield D R, Greene B M, Chakravarti D N, Infiltration of CD4+ T cells into cornea during development of Onchocerca volvulus-induced experimental sclerosing keratitis in mice., Cellular Immunology, 159(2), 306-14, December 1994 Abstract
  • Szczotka L B, Capretta D M, Lass J H, Clinical evaluation of a computerized topography software method for fitting rigid gas permeable contact lenses., Clao Journal, 20(4), 231-6, October 1994 Abstract
  • Lass J H, Putman S C, Bruner W E, Cano D B, Greiner J V, Glonek T, The effect of hEGF and insulin on corneal metabolism during Optisol storage., Cornea, 13(3), 243-9, May 1994 Abstract
  • Lass J H, Musch D C, Gordon J F, Laing R A, Epidermal growth factor and insulin use in corneal preservation. Results of a multi-center trial. The Corneal Preservation Study Group., Ophthalmology, 101(2), 352-9, February 1994 Abstract
  • Greiner J V, Kopp S J, Lass J H, Gold J B, Glonek T, Metabolic compatibility of abattoir and human corneas: an ex vivo 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic study of intact tissues., Cornea, 12(6), 461-5, November 1993 Abstract
  • Lass J H, Gordon J F, Sugar A, Norden R A, Reinhart W J, Meyer R F, Soong H K, Optisol containing streptomycin [letter], American Journal of Ophthalmology, 116(4), 503-4, 15 Oct 1993 Abstract
  • Cutarelli P E, Lazarus H M, Jacobs M R, Lass J H, Antimicrobial activity and in vitro corneal epithelial toxicity of antimicrobial agents for gram-positive corneal pathogens., Current Eye Research, 12(7), 603-8, July 1993 Abstract
  • Chakravarti B, Lass J H, Bardenstein D S, Diaconu E, Roy C E, Herring T A, Chakravarti D N, Greene B M, Immune-mediated Onchocerca volvulus sclerosing keratitis in the mouse., Experimental Eye Research, 57(1), 21-7, July 1993 Abstract
  • Raphael B, Kerr N C, Shimizu R W, Lass J H, Crouthamel K C, Glaser S R, Stern G A, McLaughlin B J, Musch D C, Duzman E, et al, Enhanced healing of cat corneal endothelial wounds by epidermal growth factor., Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 34(7), 2305-12, June 1993 Abstract
  • Lass J H, Bourne W M, Musch D C, Sugar A, Gordon J F, Reinhart W J, Meyer R F, Patel D I, Bruner W E, Cano D B, et al, A randomized, prospective, double-masked clinical trial of Optisol vs DexSol corneal storage media., Archives of Ophthalmology, 110(10), 1404-8, October 1992 Abstract
  • Lindstrom R L, Kaufman H E, Skelnik D L, Laing R A, Lass J H, Musch D C, Trousdale M D, Reinhart W J, Burris T E, Sugar A, et al, Optisol corneal storage medium., American Journal of Ophthalmology, 114(3), 345-56, 15 Sep 1992 Abstract
  • Lembach R G, Lass J, Foulks G N, A comparison of penetrating keratoplasty to epikeratoplasty in the surgical management of keratoconus [letter; comment], American Journal of Ophthalmology, 112(1), 103-5, 15 Jul 1991 Abstract
  • Lass J H, Greiner J V, Reinhart W J, Medcalf S K, Glonek T, Phosphatic metabolism and corneal edema., Cornea, 10(4), 346-53, July 1991 Abstract
  • Cutarelli P E, Lass J H, Lazarus H M, Putman S C, Jacobs M R, Topical fluoroquinolones: antimicrobial activity and in vitro corneal epithelial toxicity., Current Eye Research, 10(6), 557-63, June 1991 Abstract
  • Garcia-Ferrer F J, Pepose J S, Murray P R, Glaser S R, Lass J H, Green W R, Antimicrobial efficacy and corneal endothelial toxicity of DexSol corneal storage medium supplemented with vancomycin., Ophthalmology, 98(6), 863-9, June 1991 Abstract
  • Merchant T E, Lass J H, Meneses P, Greiner J V, Glonek T, The effects of age on phosphatic metabolites of the human crystalline lens., Experimental Eye Research, 52(6), 641-6, June 1991 Abstract
  • Merchant T E, Lass J H, Meneses P, Greiner J V, Glonek T, Human crystalline lens phospholipid analysis with age., Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 32(3), 549-55, March 1991 Abstract
  • Ormerod L D, Ruoff K L, Meisler D M, Wasson P J, Kintner J C, Dunn S P, Lass J H, van de Rijn I, Infectious crystalline keratopathy. Role of nutritionally variant streptococci and other bacterial factors., Ophthalmology, 98(2), 159-69, February 1991 Abstract
  • Merchant T E, Lass J H, Roat M I, Skelnik D L, Glonek T, P-31 NMR analysis of phospholipids from cultured human corneal epithelial, fibroblast and endothelial cells., Current Eye Research, 9(12), 1167-76, December 1990 Abstract
  • Lass J H, DeSantis D M, Reinhart W J, Hossain T S, Hom D L, Clinical and morphometric results of penetrating keratoplasty with one-piece anterior-chamber or suture-fixated posterior-chamber lenses in the absence of lens capsule., Archives of Ophthalmology, 108(10), 1427-31, October 1990 Abstract
  • Shands P R, Lass J H, Severe anterior segment inflammation following corneal surgery for keratoconus., Ophthalmic Surgery, 21(9), 645-6, September 1990 Abstract
  • Lass J H, Walter E I, Burris T E, Grossniklaus H E, Roat M I, Skelnik D L, Needham L, Singer M, Medof M E, Expression of two molecular forms of the complement decay-accelerating factor in the eye and lacrimal gland., Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 31(6), 1136-48, June 1990 Abstract
  • Lass J H, Lembach R G, Park S B, Hom D L, Fritz M E, Svilar G M, Nuamah I F, Reinhart W J, Stocker E G, Keates R H, et al, Clinical management of keratoconus. A multicenter analysis., Ophthalmology, 97(4), 433-45, April 1990 Abstract
  • Lass J H, Musch D C, Gordon J F, Epidermal growth factor and insulin in use in corneal preservation: study design and objectives of a multi-center trial., Refractive and Corneal Surgery, 6(2), 92-8, March 1990 Abstract
  • Kintner J C, Grossniklaus H E, Lass J H, Jacobs G, Infectious crystalline keratopathy associated with topical anesthetic abuse., Cornea, 9(1), 77-80, January 1990 Abstract
  • Lass J H, Reinhart W J, Skelnik D L, Bruner W E, Shockley R P, Park J Y, Hom D L, Lindstrom R L, An in vitro and clinical comparison of corneal storage with chondroitin sulfate corneal storage medium with and without dextran., Ophthalmology, 97(1), 96-103, January 1990 Abstract
  • Greiner J V, Lass J H, Reinhart W J, Medcalf S K, Glonek T, Phosphatic metabolites in keratoconus., Experimental Eye Research, 49(5), 799-806, November 1989 Abstract
  • Lembach R G, Lass J H, Stocker E G, Keates R H, The use of contact lenses after keratoconic epikeratoplasty., Archives of Ophthalmology, 107(3), 364-8, March 1989 Abstract
  • Cutarelli PE, Lass JH, Lazarus HM, Putman SC, Jacobs MR: Topical fluoroquinolones: antimicrobial and in vitro corneal epithelial toxicity. Curr Eye Res 10:557-563, 1991
  • Lass JH, Reinhart WJ, Skelnik DL, Bruner WE, Shockley RP, Park JY, Hom DL, Lindstrom RL: An in vitro and clinical comparison of corneal storage with chondroitin sulfate corneal storage medium with and without dextran. Ophthalmology 97:95-102, 1990
  • Lass JH, Lembach RG, Park SB, Hom DL, Fritz ME, Svilar G, Nuaham I, Reinhart WJ, Stocken EG, Keates RH, Moran CT, Cobo LM, and Foulks GN: Clinical management of keratoconus: A multi-center analysis. Ophthalmology 97:433-45, 1990
  • Lass JH, DeSantis DM, Reinhart WJ, Hossain TS, Hom DL: Clinical and morphometric results of penetrating keratoplasty with one-piece anterior chamber or suture-fixated posterior chamber lenses in the absence of lens capsule. Arch Ophthalmol 108:1427-31, 1990
  • Gallin MY, Murray D, Lass JH, Grossniklaus HE, Greene BM: Experimental interstitial keratitis induced by Onchocerca volvulus antigens. Arch Ophthalmol. 106:1447-1452, 1988

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