Prospective Study of Visual Outcomes and Endothelial Survival With Descemet Membrane Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty

Abstract

To evaluate vision and endothelial cell survival in an initial Descemet membrane automated endothelial keratoplasty (DMAEK) series. This was a prospective nonrandomized study of an initial consecutive series of 40 DMAEK cases, performed with or without concomitant phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. The graft was dissected with a microkeratome. A central 6- to 7-mm big bubble was created to separate endothelium from stroma, and the overlying stroma was excised. The graft was cut to 8.5- to 9.5-mm diameter and inserted with a pull through technique. Eyes were treated for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, secondary corneal decompensation, or previous failed endothelial transplant. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, manifest refraction, pachymetry, and endothelial cell density were assessed. Median best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 20/30 at 1 month (range: 20/15-20/50), improved from 20/40 (range: 20/25-20/400) preoperatively, excluding 7 eyes (18%) with significant retinal pathology. Rates of 20/20, 20/25, 20/30, and 20/40 vision were 25%, 71%, 89%, and 100%, respectively, at 3 months and 48%, 74%, 93%, and 100%, respectively, at 6 months. Median endothelial cell loss relative to baseline donor cell density was 31% at 6 months. Air was reinjected in 10 eyes (25%) to promote graft attachment, and 2 grafts (5%) failed to clear. DMAEK provided significant improvement in visual acuity and marked reduction in central corneal thickness. DMAEK had a higher rate of postoperative air reinjection than Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty and comparable 6-month endothelial cell loss.