About

David B. Granet is a professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at UC San Diego, with an educational background from Yale University School of Medicine where he earned his MD in 1987. His research focuses on various aspects of ophthalmology, including strabismus, thyroid eye disease, retinopathy of prematurity, and the use of advanced imaging and RNA sequencing technologies in ophthalmic conditions. He has contributed extensively to the understanding of orbital and extraocular muscle volume changes, surgical outcomes, and the socioeconomic aspects of eye diseases. Dr. Granet has been recognized as one of the Best Doctors in America from 2001 to 2017 and has a significant publication record derived from MEDLINE/PubMed, reflecting his active engagement in research and clinical advancements in ophthalmology.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Psychology
• Optometry
• Computer Science
• Ophthalmology
• Family medicine
• Mathematics
• Radiology
• Statistics
• Medical education
• Surgery
• Nursing
• Developmental psychology

Selected publications

• The relationship between maternal cannabis use disorder diagnosis and the development of retinopathy of prematurity

  Journal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus · 2026-02-01

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Applications of Generative Artificial Intelligence for Strabismus Surgery Video-Based Education

  Ophthalmology Science · 2026-03-07

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Objective: To develop educational artificial intelligence (AI)-generated videos for patients undergoing strabismus surgery and assess patient perceptions of these videos. Design: Prospective interventional study. Subjects: Adult patients with strabismus seen at University of California San Diego who were evaluated and subsequently underwent strabismus surgery. Methods: A pipeline of AI software including Claude Sonnet, Sora, Visla, and Tavus were used to generate a script educating patients on strabismus surgery, create avatars of real ophthalmologists, and AI-generated video clips. Surveys on Google Forms were created to (1) preoperatively assess whether patients could discern whether the videos were AI-generated and educational and (2) postoperatively whether the video remained educational. These videos were disseminated to patients once consent for strabismus surgery was obtained, and surveys were given to patients preoperatively and postoperatively. Main Outcome Measures: Patient perceptions and educational value of the video were assessed using Likert scales and yes versus no questions, which were averaged or enumerated, respectively. Subjective comments were also thematically assessed. Results: Thirty patients who underwent strabismus surgery were included in this study. The mean age was 54.0 ± 19.8 years with the majority undergoing surgery for the first time (n = 23 [76.7%]). Patients responded that these videos improved their understanding of strabismus (4.3 ± 0.9), strabismus surgery (4.2 ± 1.1), and eased their concerns (4.5 ± 0.8). Additionally, patients generally did not recognize that the video was AI-generated (4.3 ± 1.1), responded that they would watch more AI-generated videos in the future (4.7 ± 0.7), and would recommend AI-generated content to others (4.7 ± 0.65). When surveyed postoperatively, this sentiment persisted. Subjectively, patients generally emphasized how this video was both educational and reassuring. Conclusions: In this proof-of-concept study, patients generally felt AI-generated videos for strabismus surgery added educational value. Additionally, most patients perceived the AI-generated content positively. Future studies with larger sample sizes and outcome-based and validated educational endpoints are needed to prospectively evaluate the clinical impact of AI-generated educational content on other conditions and interventions. This approach may open new opportunities to improve patient understanding and ability to contribute to their care. Financial Disclosures: Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Epidemiology of strabismus among adults in the United States: insights from the All of Us database

  Journal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus · 2025-10-01

  articleOpen access

  PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of adult-diagnosed strabismus and its associations with sex, age, and race in a large, diverse population database in the United States. METHODS: test with post hoc pairwise comparisons was used to determine significant differences in distributions of sex, age, and race data in 3,734 strabismus patients compared with the overall database. RESULTS: There is a higher proportion of males among patients with strabismus compared with the overall database (43.34% vs 38.34% [P < 0.001]). There is a significantly higher proportion of patients aged over 65 years among patients with strabismus compared with the overall database (45.77% vs 24.7% [P < 0.001]). There is also a significantly different racial distribution of individuals with strabismus compared with the overall database (P < 0.001). Pairwise comparisons showed a significantly lower proportion of Asian individuals among patients with strabismus or heterotropia, a lower proportion of Black individuals with most subtypes, and a higher proportion of White individuals among patients with any strabismus. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that there is a lower proportion of females, Asian, and Black participants with diagnosed strabismus compared with the overall population in the All of Us database. These findings may indicate that strabismus affects patient populations differently, or that there is differential access to care and diagnosis of strabismus across sex, age, and race.

  PublisherDOI

• Extraocular muscle volume reduction in a patient treated with two courses of teprotumumab for thyroid eye disease

  American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports · 2025-12-05

  articleOpen access

  Purpose: To report magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) extraocular muscle (EOM) volume analysis in a patient with thyroid eye disease (TED) who was treated with two full courses of teprotumumab. Observations: An 84-year-old man with TED received two full courses (16/16 infusions) of teprotumumab. At the initial presentation, he had decreased visual acuity, proptosis, and diplopia. Imaging at this time illustrated enlarged EOMs, predominantly on the left side. After his first course of teprotumumab, his symptoms improved. However, he experienced disease reactivation 7 months later. A follow-up MRI revealed reduced EOM volume compared to baseline, though the patient reported recurrent symptoms. A second course of teprotumumab (8/8 infusions) was initiated, leading to clinical improvement. Six months after completion of his second teprotumumab course, a third MRI showed further reduction in EOM volumes compared to both baseline and pre-retreatment imaging. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the potential for continued radiographic and clinical improvement in TED patients after retreatment with teprotumumab. Further studies may clarify the role of EOM volume as a marker for treatment efficacy.

  PublisherDOI

• Differential change in extraocular muscle volume after teprotumumab for thyroid eye disease

  Orbit · 2025-10-21 · 2 citations

  articleOpen access

  PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of teprotumumab on individual extraocular muscle (EOM) volume and proptosis in thyroid eye disease (TED). METHODS: A retrospective review was performed using exophthalmometry, clinical activity score (CAS), and orbital imaging before and after teprotumumab treatment. The lateral rectus (LR), medial rectus (MR), superior rectus (SR), inferior rectus (IR) muscles, and the globe were manually segmented individually. Individual and total EOM volumes were calculated and compared between pre- and post-treatment magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS: = 0.053). Total EOM volume decreased by 20%, while globe volume remained unchanged. CAS and proptosis improved post-treatment, but changes in total EOM volume did not significantly correlate with changes in CAS or proptosis. Pre-treatment IR, MR, and SR volumes showed moderate correlation with total EOM volume reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Teprotumumab significantly reduces EOM volumes, CAS, and proptosis in TED. Weak correlations with clinical outcomes suggest that additional factors, such as orbital fat, influence treatment response.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Socioeconomic trends of adult strabismus in the United States: an analysis of the All of Us database

  Journal of American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus · 2025-10-01

  articleOpen access

  PURPOSE: To determine associations of income and education level with a diagnosis of strabismus and to identify socioeconomic variables that may affect timely access to diagnosis. METHODS: test was used to determine significant differences in distributions of income, education, and ZIP code metrics in 3,734 strabismus patients compared with the overall database. RESULTS: Participants living in ZIP codes with lower multidimensional deprivation indices (less deprivation) are more likely to be diagnosed with strabismus. Participants with annual income below $10,000 (10.10%) or who completed education between fifth grade and a high school diploma or GED (20.06%) are less likely to receive a diagnosis for certain strabismus subtypes. Participants with annual income over $200,000 (7.07%), advanced degrees (27.02%), living in ZIP codes with higher income, and higher high school completion rates were more likely to be diagnosed with certain strabismus subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: Participants diagnosed with strabismus tend to have higher incomes, an advanced degree, and reside in more affluent ZIP codes, whereas those with lower income and education levels are less likely to be diagnosed. These findings reveal potential socioeconomic disparities in access to ophthalmic diagnostic services and care. Findings emphasize the importance of addressing socioeconomic barriers in eye care to enable equitable access.

  PublisherDOI

• Iris color distribution in the United States of America

  PLoS ONE · 2025-09-29

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  OBJECTIVE: To document the distribution of iris color in the United States of America. DESIGN: This original investigation is an epidemiologic assessment of eye color data from all 50 states' Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). PARTICIPANTS: All driver's license holders data nationwide (age 16 years and older, both genders) were requested from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) in each state. Driver's license holders from states whose DMV did not participate in the study due to special state-specific regulations, did not compile iris color information, or did not respond were then excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Self reported eye color information was obtained from the DMVs databases of each driver's license applicant self-reported eye color information. METHODS: All 50 states' Department of Motor Vehicles in the USA were contacted using various methods and the database of driver licenses eye color for current active licenses (without including any personal information) was requested. Any iris color beyond grey, blue, green, hazel, or brown/black was categorized as "others". RESULTS: Iris color of 235,423,085 driver's license holders (DLHs) from 31 states was collected. The data show that brown/black iris color was documented in 124,811,254 DLHs (53%), blue in 55,797,458 DLHs (23.7%), hazel in 24,152,854 DLHs (10.3%), green in 21,258,873 DLHs (9%), grey in 1,597,675 DLHs (0.7%), and other iris colors in 7,804,971 DLHs (3.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing information from over 230 million driver's license holders, this report is the largest study of iris color distribution representing the United States of America, thus providing a valuable source for future eye disease and other sociological research. The data show that the most prominent iris color in the United States of America is brown/black, then blue, hazel, green, other iris colors, and grey.

  PublisherDOI

• But doctor, will I be able to drive? Car mirror placement design and viewing angles required for safe binocular vision for drivers

  British Journal of Ophthalmology · 2025-11-03 · 1 citations

  articleSenior authorCorresponding

  BACKGROUND/AIMS: To examine the angle between the driver's eye and the three mirrors (side and rear-view) across different vehicle models, in order to understand head and gaze adjustments that may be necessary for post-strabismus surgery patients to reduce diplopia while driving. METHODS: The driver's eye angle (DEA) was defined as the horizontal angle between the driver's line of sight when looking straight ahead and the direction of their gaze required to view the centre of a given mirror. Angles were measured using a digital protractor from a single 69 inch (1.75 m) tall driver's eye position to the centre of the three mirrors (left side, right side and rear-view) in each vehicle. Measurements considered seat height and proximity to the steering wheel. RESULTS: DEAs were calculated for the seat position deemed most comfortable (CP) by the model driver. For the rear-view mirror, the average CP DEA was 43.5° (range: 35.0°-48.4°). The left side mirror averaged 45.8° (range: 39.3°-52.1°) and the right side mirror 68.9° (range: 63.1°-80.3°). Generally, DEAs were highest with the seat in a forward-high position and lowest when seated further back and lower. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with strabismus or postsurgical limitations may experience diplopia when using mirrors that require extreme gaze angles. Clinicians should incorporate driving-related visual demands into postoperative counselling. Encouraging rearward-lowered seating and recommending vehicles with narrower mirror angles may reduce symptoms. In some cases, adaptive devices (wide-angle mirrors, blind spot monitoring) may be necessary for safe and comfortable driving.

  PublisherDOI

• Botulinum Toxin as a Treatment for Functional Disorders

  2024-05-28

  book-chapter

  Although botulinum toxin has recently gained popularity for cosmetic uses, it was used exclusively for functional indications for many years. Even as cosmetic use becomes increasingly commonplace, more functional uses emerge. Presently, there are 3 US FDA–approved preparations for botulinum toxin type-A (Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin®) and 1 preparation for botulinum toxin type-B (Myobloc®). Unless otherwise specified in this chapter, unit doses refer to Botox and Xeomin.

  PublisherDOI

• Assessing Educational Impact of Worldwide Webinar on Management of Myopia Progression in Children

  International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health · 2024-12-12

  articleOpen access

  Objective: To assess the educational impact of a worldwide webinar approach to myopia progression management in children &lt;8 years and 8–12 years old. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: A self-administered survey was conducted for attendees of a 3 h worldwide webinar held in two parts on consecutive days on the management of myopia progression in children. The survey was administered before, immediately after completion of the webinar, and 8 weeks later; responses were recorded on a Likert scale. Questions were posed to assess (a) the confidence of attendees in managing myopia in children &lt;12 years old, (b) attendees’ understanding of latest treatment options, (c) any improvement in attendees’ knowledge after the webinar, and (d) any changes made to practice 8 weeks after the webinar. Pre- and post-responses were analyzed using an unpaired two-tailed t-test. Results: The webinar had 701 and 606 global attendees on the first and second days, respectively. Based on a comparison of contact information, 372 attendees participated on days 1 and 2, meaning 288 and 233 participants attended only day 1 and day 2, respectively. There was a significant increase in the percentage of attendees who were “very confident” in managing myopia after the webinar (p &lt; 0.05). Ninety-nine attendees completed the survey at 8 weeks. Of these, 76% believed that the webinar had “very significantly” or “significantly” improved their ability to manage pediatric myopia and 91% had implemented or intended to implement a change in their practice. The respondents who did not implement a change identified cost and patient compliance as the common barriers. Conclusion: There is a tsunami of research and management options in the field of myopia management at present. We demonstrate that an effective way of disseminating information and education about myopia management is a pre-designed comprehensive webinar held over two consecutive days. There is evidence that such a webinar may also influence a change in clinical practice.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Shira L. Robbins

  University of California, San Diego

  53 shared

• Michael Kinori

  Assuta Medical Center

  36 shared

• Don O. Kikkawa

  University of California, San Diego

  26 shared

• Richard W. Hertle

  15 shared

• Leah Levi

  15 shared

• Cintia F. Gomi

  The California Eye Institute

  14 shared

• Bobby S. Korn

  Fleet Science Center

  13 shared

• Christopher W.D. Heichel

  University of California, San Diego

  11 shared

Education

• M.D., Ophthalmology

  University of California, San Diego

  1990

• B.S., Biology

  University of California, San Diego

  1986

Awards & honors

• Best Doctors in America (2001 - 2017)