Comparison of Corneal Thickness and Haze in DSAEK and Penetrating Keratoplasty

Abstract

To compare corneal thickness and haze in Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PK). This study included 30 consecutive patients undergoing DSAEK (18 patients) and PK (12 patients). Central corneal thickness and corneal haze were analyzed longitudinally by Pentacam (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after grafting. The mean age of patients in the DSAEK group was 71.42 ± 9.91 years (range, 55-85 years) and in the PK group was 60.58 ± 16.58 years (range, 31-81 years). Two weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery, the cornea was significantly thicker in the DSAEK group compared with the PK group (P < 0.01). Two weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after the operation, the cornea had significantly more haze in the DSAEK group compared with the PK group (P < 0.05). Haze in the DSAEK group was mainly observed in the subepithelial stroma. DSAEK grafts were significantly thicker with increased haze for up to 3 months after surgery. Scheimpflug system is available for quantifying not only corneal thickness but also corneal haze after various keratoplasty procedures.