Comparison of Endothelial Keratoplasty Techniques in Patients With Prior Glaucoma Surgery: A Case-Matched Study

Abstract

To compare the outcomes of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) with those of Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) in eyes with prior glaucoma surgery. Case-matched retrospective comparative case series. Setting/study population: 46 DMEK procedures were matched with 46 DSEK procedures at a single institution. cases were matched based on preoperative visual acuity, lens status, and surgical indication. the outcome measurements included visual acuity improvement, primary and secondary graft failure, endothelial rejection, intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation, and the need for additional glaucoma intervention. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved by-0.89 logMAR in the DMEK group and-0.62 logMAR in the DSEK group (P= 0.005) at 1 year follow-up. Visual acuity was significantly better in the DMEK group at postoperative months 1, 3, and 12 and at last follow-up. The percentage of patients achieving 20/40 or better best-corrected visual acuity was higher in the DMEK group at all time points, notably 47% in the DMEK group versus 15% in the DSEK group at 1 year (P= 0.002). Secondary graft failure was lower in the DMEK group (DMEK 0% vs. DSEK 17%; P=0.006). Primary graft failure rates and rebubling rates were similar. There were no differences in the rates of postoperative IOP elevation or in the need for additional glaucoma intervention. In complex eyes with prior glaucoma surgery, DMEK offers faster visual recovery, better final visual acuity, and a lower rate of secondary graft failure compared to DSEK during the first postoperative year and beyond.