Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty Group Research Articles

Endothelial corneal transplants: indications, clinical profile and surgical outcomes in a tertiary care hospital

BackgroundEndothelial keratoplasties have become the surgical procedure of choice over full thickness penetrating keratoplasty for corneal decompensation because of endothelial dysfunction. MethodsA retrospective data review was performed from February 2016 to April 2017 for all the patients who underwent endothelial keratoplasty in a tertiary care center for Indian Armed Forces. ResultsA total of 161 corneal transplants were performed; endothelial keratoplasties accounted for 34 (21.1%) transplants. Most common indication was pseudophakic/aphakic bullous keratopathy followed by Ahmed glaucoma valve–related corneal decompensation and Fuchs' corneal dystrophy, respectively. Mean preoperative corneal thickness was 845.96 ± 106.9 microns. Mean lenticule thickness was 131.55 ± 42.47 microns with microkeratome for descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and 174 ± 70.4 microns manually for descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK). Mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1.65 LogMAR (Snellen equivalent in meters 2/60 approx) which significantly improved to 0.82 LogMAR (Snellen equivalent in meters 6/36 approx) after surgery. In the DSAEK group, BCVA improved from 1.61 to 0.7 LogMAR, whereas in the DSEK group, the visual acuity improved from 1.7 to 0.94 LogMAR at one-month postoperative period. Postoperatively, two patients had graft detachment and had to undergo repeat DSAEK. ConclusionStudy results suggest the similar trends in our tertiary care hospital as in other most advanced ophthalmic centers around the world for adoption of newer techniques of lamellar corneal transplants and their outcomes.

Refractive changes after different modifications of endothelial keratoplasty

To evaluate changes in clinical refraction after Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) and Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK), and assess their correlation to the thickness of the transplant. The main study group included 40 patients (40 eyes) after DSAEK and 20 patients (20 eyes) after DMEK, the control group consisted of 20 patients (20 eyes) without any corneal pathologies or history of surgical treatment. In addition to standard examination, patients of the main group had central corneal thickness and transplant thickness regularly measured; they were also monitored by optical coherence tomography (Optovue, U.S.A.), computed tomography and aberrometry of the cornea performed on Pentacam device. The control group had the same examination regimen. Best corrected visual acuity after 6 months was on average 0.2 higher in DMEK patients compared to those who underwent DSAEK; after one year - 0.1 higher. Clinical refraction data shows presence of hypermetropic changes after DSAEK surgery. Induced astigmatism after one year was 0.4 Diopters in DSAEK patients, but did not exceed 0.1 Diopters in DMEK patients. Stabilization of the corneal thickness in DMEK group occurred on the 3-4th month, in DSAEK group - 6-7th month. Certain values of higher-order aberrations (3-6) and root-mean-square deviation (RMS) of the wave-front of anterior corneal surface in DSAEK and DMEK groups were higher than in the control group. Aberrations on the posterior corneal surface in DMEK group were significantly lower than in DSAEK group. There were no statistically significant differences in 'final' RMS higher-order aberrations between DMEK and DSAEK groups.

Immune Cells on the Donor Corneal Endothelium After Corneal Transplantation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the existence of presumed immune cells observed by contact specular microscopy in patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). This cross-sectional study was conducted on consecutive patients who underwent follow-up visits between January and March 2015 for previously performed PK or DSAEK. Presumed immune cell-suspected "cell-like white dots" were evaluated by scanning slit contact specular microscopy. The association between the grading of presumed immune cells with clinical parameters, such as corneal endothelial cell density, time after surgery, and the titer of steroid administration, was also investigated. A total of 54 eyes of 54 patients who underwent PK (32 eyes/32 patients) and DSAEK (22 eyes/22 patients) were evaluated, and suspected immune cells were observed in all patients. In the PK and DSAEK groups, the number of patients in the presumed immune cell grades 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 19, 10, 2, and 1 and 10, 8, 2, and 2, respectively (P = 0.663). No statistically significant association was found between the immune cell grades and the clinical parameters. Immune cells were observed on the corneal endothelial grafts in all 54 patients who underwent PK or DSAEK. Although the number of immune cells varied between patients and showed no correlation with clinical parameters, it would be beneficial to conduct a future prospective study to analyze the effect of immune cells on postoperative corneal endothelial cell loss.

Porcine endothelial grafts could survive for a long term without using systemic immunosuppressors: An investigation of feasibility and efficacy of xeno-Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty from WZS-pig to rhesus monkey.

In current non-human primate models, full-thickness porcine grafts could not achieve long-term survival without using potent systemic immunosuppressors. Moreover, the thickness disparity in xeno-PKP proved to be hard to manipulate and may cause several complications which also could prevent the grafts from long survival. Considering the advantages of Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) derived from its ultrathin graft and lower rejection rate, we hypothesize xeno-DSAEK may overcome these imperfections in xeno-PKP. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and efficacy of xeno-DSAEK and to investigate the possibility of long-term survival of porcine DSAEK grafts only using local immunosuppressors. Nine rhesus monkeys were divided into two groups. In the DSAEK group (n=7), Descemet's membrane stripping was performed to establish the bullous keratopathy model followed by the endothelial graft transplant. In the control group (n=2), only DM stripping was performed. Betamethasone 3.5mg was injected subconjunctivally every 10 days for a total of 10 times in the DSAEK group. After the surgery, all grafts were evaluated by slit lamp microscopy for at least 6months. In addition, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and confocal laser microscopy (CLM) were hired to evaluate the graft attachment and survival. To investigate the rejection mechanism for xeno-DSAEK, pathological and immunity examinations, including immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, T-cell subgroups, cytokine concentration, and anti-GAL antibodies, were performed and compared between the survived and rejected grafts. In the control group, the corneal opacity gradually increased with the development of corneal swelling and neovascularization. In the DSAEK group, five recipients (n=5/7) re-established their transparencies within 30days after xeno-DSAEK, and four grafts survived >180days (>180, >180, >298, >270) only by injecting betamethasone subconjunctivally, whereas two grafts (n=2/7) rejected in 30days. The AS-OCT and CLM showed the survived grafts attached firmly to the host beds, and the endothelial cell density was adequate (>2000cells/mm2 ) to maintain the graft function at post-operative month 6. The immunohistochemistry showed predominantly T cells (CD4+ and CD8+) and macrophages infiltrated in the rejected grafts, although a few B cells (CD20+) were also observed. Moreover, immunofluorescence demonstrated donor-specific antibody (IgG) and complement (C3c) were also involved in the immune rejection. However, T-cell subgroups and cytokine concentrations (except for IL-6) showed no significant differences between the rejected and survived grafts. Xeno-DSAEK is feasible and effective, and the technique may reduce the complications common to xeno-PKP. More importantly, the porcine DSAEK grafts could survive for a long term without using systemic immunosuppressors and exhibit promising future for clinical practice.

Optical and Tectonic Corneal Transplant Outcomes in a Tertiary Hospital in Singapore within the Singapore Corneal Transplant Registry

This study aimed to describe and compare corneal graft survival and optical outcomes following deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) with penetrating keratoplasty (PK), and to document tectonic success of patch grafts. This was a retrospective, non-randomised, comparative and descriptive cohort study. A total of 139 eyes that underwent primary keratoplasty between 2000 and 2016 were included, and the following data was extracted: demographics, clinical diagnosis and primary indication, pre- and intraoperative risk factors, postkeratoplasty outcomes, and complications. Optical success was defined as good graft clarity and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 6/12 or better. Graft failure was defined as irreversible corneal oedema and loss of clarity. Tectonic success in patch grafts was defined as tectonic integrity with no repeat tectonic surgical procedure required in the postoperative period. The mean follow-up duration was 3.24 ± 3.47 years in the PK group (n = 16), 1.89 ± 0.86 years in the DALK group (n = 37), 2.36 ± 1.24 years in the DSAEK group (n = 53), and 2.17 ± 1.09 years in the patch graft group (n = 33). The 3-year probabilties of survival for PK, DALK, DSAEK and patch graft were 60.9%, 94.1%, 89.9%, and 67.1%, respectively. The overall percentage of complications was significantly higher for PK (81.3%), compared to DALK (48.6%), DSAEK (49.1%), and patch graft (21.2%). In the PK and DALK groups, 100% achieved DSAEK (49.1%), and patch graft (21.2%). In the PK and DALK groups, 100% achieved BCVA of 6/12 or better, while in the DSAEK group, 96.43% achieved BCVA of 6/12 or better. From a similar study cohort of Asian eyes, graft survival was superior and complications were reduced for DALK and DSAEK compared to PK, but optical outcomes were comparable. Graft survival for patch graft was expectedly lower, but the incidence of complications was low.

Accuracy of Corneal Thickness by Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography and Scheimpflug Camera in Virgin and Treated Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy.

To assess intraobserver repeatability, intersession reproducibility, and agreement of swept-source Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and the Scheimpflug camera in measuring corneal thickness in virgin and grafted eyes with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). Thirty-six control eyes, 35 FECD eyes, 30 FECD with corneal edema eyes, 25 Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) eyes, and 29 Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) eyes were included. The apical center, pupillary center, and thinnest corneal thickness were determined in 3 consecutive images and repeated 2 weeks later. Repeatability and reproducibility coefficients, intraclass correlation coefficients, and 95% limits of agreement (LOA) between measurements were calculated. Agreement between devices was assessed using Bland-Altman analysis. Corneal thickness measurements were highly reproducible and repeatable with both systems. SS-OCT showed better repeatability in all corneal locations in the normal, FECD, FECD with edema, DSAEK, and DMEK groups (coefficient of variation ≤0.60%, ≤0.36%, ≤0.43%, ≤1.09%, and ≤0.48%, respectively) than the Scheimpflug (coefficient of variation ≤1.15%, ≤0.92%, ≤1.10%, ≤1.25%, and ≤1.14%, respectively). Between-session 95% LOA for SS-OCT was less than 3% for all groups except for the FECD with edema group, being almost double using the Scheimpflug camera. Differences between instruments were statistically significant in all groups and locations (P < 0.01) except in the DSAEK group (P ≤ 0.51); however, SS-OCT underestimated all measurements. SS-OCT provides better reproducible and repeatable measurements of corneal thickness than those obtained with the Scheimpflug camera in patients with FECD or an endothelial transplant. Variations between examinations higher than the 95% LOA observed in our study should raise awareness of changes in the endothelial function.

Descemet stripping automated endothelialkeratoplasty (DSAEK) versus repeat penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) to manage eyes with failed corneal graft.

BACKGROUNDFailed corneal graft management is a challenge. Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and repeat penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) are two options. Only two studies have compared outcomes of DSAEK and PKP in the management of a failed graft.OBJECTIVETo compare the visual outcomes, changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and complications in eyes with failed corneal grafts that were subsequently managed with DSAEK and PKP.DESIGNRetrospective cohort study.SETTINGSTertiary eye hospital of central Saudi Arabia.PATIENTS AND METHODSA retrospective chart review was performed for cases managed between 2007 and 2012. Data were collected on the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before and at day 1, 1 week, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks after intervention. BCVA was compared in patients managed with DSAEK or PKP. Intra- and postoperative complications were compared in both groups.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURESClear graft, vision at last follow up, complications.RESULTSThere were 15 eyes in the DSAEK group and 30 in the PKP group. The causes of previously failed PKP differed between groups. BCVA at 6 months after repeat surgeries was 20/20 to 20/40 in 4 (27%) eyes in the DSAEK group and in 8 (27%) eyes in the PKP group. The IOP at 6 months was statistically significantly higher in the DSAEK group than the PKP group (P=.006). In DSAEK group, one graft rejection occurred in one eye and graft dislocation in another eye. Seven eyes in PKP group had signs of graft rejection that regressed in 5 eyes following medical management.CONCLUSIONSDSAEK and PKP for previously failed corneal graft resulted in similar BCVA 6 months after repeat surgery. However, the visual outcomes were less promising with both types of surgeries. The lower complication rate and surgical ease may favor DSAEK over PKP in managing failed grafts.LIMITATIONSSmall sample, retrospective study.

Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty versus descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty: a meta-analysis.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) compared with descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). Databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched to find studies that compared DSAEK and DMEK outcomes. Efficacy parameters were the postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and spherical equivalent (SE). Safety parameters were postoperative endothelial cell loss (ECL), air injection (rebubbling), graft failure, graft rejection, and high intraocular pressure (IOP). Results from last visit were pooled for the analyses because the follow-up ranged from 3 to 24months. A total of 7 trials including 433 eyes were selected for this meta-analysis. BCVA was reported in all 7 studies, ECL% and rebubbling rate were reported in 6, and the remaining outcomes were reported in only 3 or 2 studies. Postoperative logMAR BCVA was significantly better for DMEK than that for DSAEK (P<0.00001). More patients achieved the postoperative BCVA≥20/25 and 20/20 in DMEK group than that in DSAEK (P>0.001), whereas the proportion of patients whose postoperative BCVA≥20/40 and the amount of SE did not differ statistically (P=0.32 and P=0.50, respectively). The DSAEK group has a significantly lower frequency of rebubbling than the DMEK group (P<0.0001). The postoperative ECL%, graft failure, graft rejection, and high IOP were comparable between the 2 groups (all P values >0.05). Our meta-analysis suggests that DMEK provided better visual outcomes with similar safety when compared to DSAEK. Given the limited sample size, further investigations are needed to validate these findings.

Endothelial cell loss in penetrating keratoplasty, endothelial keratoplasty, and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty.

PURPOSE:To compare endothelial cell density (ECD) loss rates in penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK), and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK).DESIGN:Single-center, multiple-surgeon, retrospective cohort study.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Patients who received PKP, DSAEK, or DALK from 2009 to 2014 were analyzed (68 vs. 38 vs. 11 patients, respectively). We excluded patients with therapeutic PKP or regraft, infection, endothelial rejection, or uncontrolled glaucoma. Only clear grafts and initial ECD more than 1000 cell/mm2 were included in the study. The main outcome was ECD loss rate. The follow-up time period was divided into five subgroups: 0–1.5 months, 1.5–6 months, 6–12 months, 12–24 months, and longer than 24 months.RESULTS:Average ECD loss rate (cell/mm2/month) declined in all three groups (PKP group: −561.5, −113.2, −36.6, −31.4, and −53.7; DSAEK group: −686.4, −68.3, −21.8, −14.4, and −5.1; DALK group: −576.5, −68, −23.7, 5.9, and 18.3). Although DSAEK group showed faster ECD loss rate in the early postoperative period, it became slower compared to the PKP group within the postoperative 6th month and demonstrated significant difference within 2 years. No ECD loss developed in the DALK group after the 1st postoperative year; this was significantly different from the PKP group.CONCLUSIONS:Although ECD loss rate in the DSAEK group was initially larger than that in the PKP group, the DSAEK group possessed better long-term endothelial cell survival rate. The DALK group had a lower ECD loss rate than that of the other groups and maintained a stable ECD at 1 year after surgery.

Five-Year Graft Survival Comparing Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty and Penetrating Keratoplasty

To compare 5-year graft survival after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in Asian eyes. Prospective, nested, cohort study. Consecutive patients who underwent DSAEK (423 eyes) or PK (405 eyes) for Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy (FED) or bullous keratopathy (BK). Clinical data and donor and recipient characteristics were recorded from our prospective cohort from the Singapore Corneal Transplant Registry. All surgeries were performed by the corneal surgeons at our center, which included cases performed or partially performed by corneal fellows in training under direct supervision. Five-year cumulative graft survival. Overall mean age was 67.8±9.8 years, and 50.1% of patients were men. There were no significant differences in age (P= 0.261) or gender (P= 0.78) between PK and DSAEK groups in our predominantly Chinese (76.6%) Asian cohort, with more BK compared with FED (68.1% vs. 31.9%; P<0.001). Overall 5-year graft survival was superior for DSAEK compared with PK (79.4% vs. 66.5%; P < 0.001, log-rank test). Median 5-year percent endothelial cell density loss was significantly greater in PK compared with DSAEK (60.9% vs. 48.7%; P=0.007). Cox regression analysis revealed that BK was a significant factor associated with graft failure (hazard ratio [HR], 3.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.05-5.33; P < 0.001), and PK was more likely to fail compared with endothelial keratoplasty (HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.08-2.41; P= 0.02) adjusting for confounders such as recipient age, gender, and donor factors. Five-year cumulative incidence of complications such as graft rejection (P<0.001), epitheliopathy (P < 0.001), suture-related corneal infections (P < 0.001), and wound dehiscence (P=0.002) were greater in the PK group compared with the DSAEK group. In Asian eyes from the same study cohort with standardized surgical and postoperative regimes, 5-year graft survival was superior for DSAEK compared with PK in eyes with FED and BK.

Changes in Corneal Biomechanical Properties After Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty for Pseudophakic Bullous Keratopathy

To compare corneal biomechanical properties and intraocular pressure (IOP) in eyes with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) before and after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). This prospective nonrandomized intrasubject comparative study was conducted on 44 eyes of 22 patients with the diagnosis of PBK who underwent DSAEK in one eye. IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometer, and central corneal thickness was measured by ultrasound pachymetry. The ocular response analyzer was used to measure corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), Goldmann-related IOP, and cornea-compensated IOP. The same measurements were performed in the normal fellow eyes which served as controls. All measurements were performed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. The mean patient age was 67 ± 14 years. Mean preoperative CH and CRF values in the DSAEK group were 5.77 ± 2.94 and 6.39 ± 2.72 mm Hg, respectively, which were significantly lower than those measured in the control group (8.2 ± 2.47 and 8.43 ± 2.49 mm Hg, respectively, P = 0.001 for both comparisons). Postoperatively, CH and CRF demonstrated a significant increase (7.09 ± 3.68 mm Hg, P = 0.05 and 8.21 ± 3.84 mm Hg, P = 0.03, respectively) in operated eyes approaching the normal values measured in the control eyes. Corneal biomechanical parameters were significantly lower in PBK eyes than in the normal fellow eyes. These metrics significantly increased after DSAEK and reached values measured in the normal fellow eyes.

Changes in Corneal Power After Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty.

To examine the optical effects of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) by evaluating changes in anterior and posterior corneal curvatures and aberrations. Eighty-three eyes treated using DSAEK combined with cataract surgery (the DSAEK group) and 41 control eyes of healthy patients (the control group) were included. Patients were examined before and 1 year after surgery with autokeratometry and Pentacam (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany). The preoperative posterior corneal curvature was estimated from the anterior corneal curvature. The mean intended postoperative refraction in the DSAEK group was -0.75 ± 0.62 diopters (D), which was statistically different from the achieved refraction of +0.50 ± 0.93 D at the 1-year follow-up (P < .001). The average biometry prediction error was a hyperopic shift of +1.27 ± 0.80 D. Anterior corneal power was significantly higher before than after DSAEK with a difference of -0.63 ± 0.68 D (P = .03) correlating significantly with the hyperopic change (r(2) = 0.23, P < .01). The posterior corneal power after DSAEK showed a significant steepening of -0.69 ± 0.38 D (P < .01) from the estimated preoperative power and a difference of -0.64 ± 0.38 D (P < .01) from the posterior corneal power in the control group. The change correlated significantly with the hyperopic change (r(2) = 0.10, P < .01). The combined changes in anterior and posterior keratometry increased the correlation coefficient to r(2) = 0.34 (P < .01). Significant differences were observed for total higher-order aberrations root mean square and coma root mean square after DSAEK compared to controls. No significant changes were observed in spherical aberration. The hyperopic shift in the DSAEK group can be explained by changes in anterior and posterior corneal surfaces. Spherical aberration was not changed by DSAEK, suggesting that aspherical intraocular lenses may be implanted on the same indications as in normal cataract surgery.

How Much Progress Has Been Made in Corneal Transplantation?

To assess the benefits of component lamellar corneal surgery, we investigated the surgical outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) for keratoconus and Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) for laser iridotomy-induced bullous keratopathy (LI-BK). The results were compared with the surgical outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). Seventy-nine eyes with keratoconus treated with DALK and 81 eyes with LI-BK treated with DSAEK were studied, and the graft clarity rate, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell density (ECD), and surgical complications were compared with 273 eyes with keratoconus and 98 eyes with LI-BK all treated with PKP. Keratoconus eyes showed excellent visual outcomes with DALK and PKP, but graft survival was higher for PKP (100%, 98.9%, and 96.3% vs. 98.6%, 90.6%, and 86.1%, at 1, 3, and 5 years after surgery, respectively; P < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in the ECD up to 1 year after surgery. Greater ECD decline was observed for PKP at 3 and 5 years after surgery. Descemet membrane microperforation was observed in 49 eyes treated with DALK. Postoperative complications in eyes treated with PKP were increased incidence of immunological rejection and secondary glaucoma compared with eyes treated with DALK. LI-BK graft survival rates were excellent in both groups (DSAEK: 89.6% and 86.1%; PKP: 100% and 98.6%, 1- and 2-year rates, respectively; P = 0.17). Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was better in the DSAEK group, and ECD showed a higher rate of decrease with DSAEK than with PKP. DALK and DSAEK considerably improved surgical outcomes in eyes with keratoconus and those with LI-BK, respectively. However, several key areas require further work, including development of safe surgical methods in DALK and prevention of early postoperative ECD loss in DSAEK.

Effect of Intraocular Forward Scattering and Corneal Higher-Order Aberrations on Visual Acuity after Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty.

PurposeTo assess the relationship of intraocular forward scattering and corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) with best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) after Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK), and to compare these parameters between DSAEK and non-Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (n-DSAEK) groups.MethodsThis retrospective study enrolled thirty eyes of 30 consecutive patients who underwent standard DSAEK, and who underwent successful phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation before DSAEK. The mean age at the time of surgery was 71.7 ± 10.4 years. We quantitatively evaluated the objective scattering index (OSI) using the double-pass instrument (OQAS II, Visiometrics) and corneal HOAs using Hartmann-Shack aberrometry (KR-9000PW, Topcon) 3 months postoperatively.ResultsThe mean OSI, corneal HOAs, and logMAR BSCVA 3 months after DSAEK were 7.91 ± 3.58, 0.43 ± 0.27 μm, and 0.32 ± 0.25, respectively. We found a significant correlation between the OSI and logMAR BSCVA (Spearman correlation coefficient r=0.714, p<0.001), but no significant association between corneal HOAs and logMAR BSCVA 3 months postoperatively (r=0.209, p=0.267). We found no significant differences in any postoperative parameters between the DSAEK and n-DSAEK groups (p>0.05).ConclusionsOur pilot study demonstrated that the postoperative corrected visual acuity was significantly correlated with intraocular forward scattering, but not with corneal HOAs in post-DSAEK eyes, suggesting that intraocular forward scattering plays a more essential role in postoperative visual performance than corneal aberrations after DSAEK. The detailed visual performance, such as HOAs and intraocular scattering, after n-DSAEK appears to be essentially equivalent to that after DSAEK.

Graft Failure and Intraocular Pressure Control After Keratoplasty in Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome

To describe and compare graft survival and intraocular pressure (IOP) control after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in eyes with iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome. Retrospective case series. Multicenter study conducted at the Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC) and Price Vision Group. Twenty-nine consecutive eyes with ICE syndrome that underwent keratoplasty between 1991 and 2011 were identified from the SNEC transplant database and Price Vision Group patient database and the following data extracted: demographics, graft failure, IOP indices, and glaucoma treatment pre- and postkeratoplasty. The main outcome measures were graft failure and need for additional IOP-lowering treatment after keratoplasty. The mean follow-up duration was 7.0 ± 4.9 years in the PK group (n= 17) and 4.0 ± 2.6 years in the DSAEK group (n= 12). After a mean of 4.1 ± 3.1 years, 37.9% of grafts (11/29) failed: 7 PK compared to 4 DSAEK (P= .72). The graft failure rate was 50% in eyes with prekeratoplasty glaucoma surgery vs 31.6% in those without (P= .43). Additional glaucoma treatment was required in 37.9% of eyes (11/29): 41.2% of PK eyes and 50% of DSAEK eyes (P= .28) Eyes that had undergone glaucoma surgery before keratoplasty were less likely to require escalation of IOP-lowering therapy postkeratoplasty (9.1% vs 50%, P= .03). One-third of grafts failed after keratoplasty for ICE syndrome at a mean duration of 4 years and additional IOP-lowering treatment was required in 37.9%. Both PK and DSAEK had similar outcomes with regard to graft failure and IOP control.

Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty as Treatment for Graft Failure After Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty

To investigate the outcome of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in patients with graft failure after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). Retrospective cohort study. setting: Institutional. Fifteen eyes of 15 patients that underwent DMEK for graft failure with corneal decompensation following DSAEK were analyzed; 15 eyes with primary DMEK for Fuchs corneal dystrophy were included as control group. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), endothelial cell density (ECD), central corneal thickness (CCT), and rebubbling rate. DMEK surgery was successful in all cases of both groups. Mean BCVA (logMAR) before DMEK was 1.27 ± 0.34 in the DMEK after DSAEK group and 1.0 ± 0.40 in the Primary DMEK group. After DMEK, mean BCVA increased significantly to 0.23 ± 0.21 (P= .012, DMEK after DSAEK group) and 0.29 ± 0.23 (P= .042, Primary DMEK group) after 3months. There were no significant differences in mean BCVA between both groups at each visit. The rebubbling rate was 13% in the DMEK after DSAEK group and 40% in the Primary DMEK group (P= .1). Mean CCT decreased significantly in both groups 1month after DMEK (P < .05). Mean ECD and change of ECD did not differ significantly between both groups at each visit (P > .05). The results after DMEK as a procedure to treat graft failure after DSAEK were as good as in patients that underwent DMEK as primary intervention to treat advanced Fuchs dystrophy. This indicates that the optical quality can be reestablished by DMEK in patients with failed DSAEK.

Graft biomechanics following three corneal transplantation techniques

Purpose:To compare corneal biomechanical properties following three different transplantation techniques, including Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK), deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in comparison to normal eyes.Methods:This cross-sectional comparative study included 118 eyes: 17 eyes of 17 patients received DSAEK, 23 eyes of 21 patients underwent DALK using Anwar's big bubble technique, and 45 eyes of 36 patients had PK; 33 right eyes of 33 normal subjects served as the control group. Using the ocular response analyzer (ORA, Reichert Ophthalmic Instruments, Buffalo, New York, USA), corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) were measured and compared among the study groups at least 3 months after all sutures were removed.Results:Mean patient age was 26.9 ± 5.0 years in the control group, 28.8 ± 4.2 in the PK group, 27.2 ± 6.5 in the DALK group, and 62.5 ± 16.8 in the DSAEK group (P < 0.001). Central corneal thickness (CCT) was 539.0 ± 24.8, 567.5 ± 38.8, 547.0 ± 42.6 and 631.1 ± 84.8 μm, respectively (P < 0.001). CH and CRF were significantly lower in the DSAEK group (7.79 ± 2.0 and 7.88 ± 1.74 mmHg, respectively) as compared to the PK (10.23 ± 2.07 and 10.13 ± 2.22 mmHg, respectively) and DALK (9.64 ± 2.07 and 9.36 ± 2.09 mmHg, respectively) groups. The two latter groups demonstrated biomechanical parameters comparable to normal subjects (9.84 ± 1.59 and 9.89 ± 1.73 mmHg, respectively).Conclusion:Graft biomechanical parameters after DSAEK are lower than those following PK and DALK. After PK and DALK in keratoconic eyes, these metrics are increased to normal values. These differences may have implications for interpreting intraocular pressure or planning graft refractive surgery after keratoplasty.

Patients with Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy and Cataract Undergoing Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty and Phacoemulsification with Intraocular Lens Implant: Staged versus Combined Procedure Outcomes

Purpose. To compare the surgical outcomes of staged and combined phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implant (phaco+IOL) and Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in patients with Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy and cataract. Setting. Corneoplastic Unit and Eye Bank, Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead, UK. Methods. Retrospective study of patients who had combined phaco+IOL and DSAEK (group 1) or phaco+IOL followed within 2 months by DSAEK (group 2). Patients who had previous eye surgery or any other ocular comorbidities were excluded. Results. There were 28 eyes in group 1 and 31 in group 2. There were no significant differences in the demographics and corneal tissue characteristics of the two groups. The endothelial disc dislocation and rebubbling rate within 1 week in group 1 was 21.42% and in group 2 was 3.2% (P = 0.04), while the endothelial cell density at 12 months was 1510 ± 433 for group 1 and 1535 ± 482 for group 2 (P = 0.89). The mean 12-month logMAR visual acuity was 0.28 ± 0.24 for group 1 and 0.33 ± 0.15 for group 2 (P = 0.38). Conclusions. Although the combined procedure seems to be associated with a higher complication rate the final outcomes seem to be similar to both methods.

Visual acuity and endothelial cell density with respect to the graft thickness in Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty: one year results.

To evaluate the visual acuity and endothelial cell density according to the thickness in Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) one year after surgery. DSAEK patients' data were reviewed. Thirty-seven eyes of 37 patients who underwent DSAEK for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) were included in this study. Graft thickness was measured with optical coherence tomography (OCT) 12mo after DSAEK. Eyes were divided into 3 groups based on the graft thickness: thick (>200 µm), medium-thick (150-200 µm) and thin (<150 µm). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), endothelial cells density (ECD) and complications were assessed and comparisons were done between groups. There was no significant difference in age, sex, preoperative BCVA, or follow-up period between DSAEK groups. At postoperative 12mo, mean BCVA was 0.28±0.10 in thick graft group, 0.52±0.08 in medium-thick graft group, and 0.72±0.06 in thin graft group. Thin grafts showed better postoperative BCVA as compared with the medium-thick and thick grafts (P=0.001). Thick graft group had 1637.44±88.19-mm(2), medium thick graft had 1764.50±34.28-mm(2) and thin graft group had 1845.30±65.62-mm(2) ECD at 12mo after the surgery. Thin graft group had better ECD at 12mo after surgery (P=0.001). Thin grafts after DSAEK ensure better visual rehabilitation. Eyes with thin grafts had significantly lesser loss of ECD compared to eyes with medium-thick and thick grafts one year after surgery.

Contralateral Eye Comparison of Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty and Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty

To compare objective and subjective outcomes after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in the fellow eye of the same patients. Single-center, retrospective case series. Seventeen patients with bilateral Fuchs endothelial dystrophy who underwent DSAEK earlier in 1 eye, and later underwent DMEK in the contralateral eye, composed study population. A chart review was completed to obtain follow-up data for at least 6 months after each surgery. Outcome measures included best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and endothelial cell density (ECD). Subjective questionnaires were used to assess patients' satisfaction. Preoperative BSCVA (logMAR) was similar in both groups, 0.66 ± 0.4 in DMEK and 0.59 ± 0.4 in DSAEK (P = .6). The DMEK group showed better BSCVA than the DSAEK group at the 6-month time point (0.25 ± 0.1 and 0.39 ± 0.1, for DMEK and DSAEK, respectively, P = .02). Preoperative ECD (cells/mm(2)) was similar in both groups (2647 ± 249 and 2768 ± 404, P = .3) in DMEK and DSAEK, respectively. There was statistically significant difference found in ECD at 6 months (2227 ± 565 for DMEK and 1780 ± 433 for DSAEK, P = .049). Subjective level of average satisfaction after DMEK was 6 and after DSAEK was 4.87 ± 1.19 (P = .002). DMEK provided better visual outcome and lower endothelial cell loss than DSAEK and a higher level of patient satisfaction when assessed at 6 months after surgery. Our results comparing the 2 procedures in the same patients support the benefits of DMEK, and suggest the need for long-term studies observing this new surgical procedure.