Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy Eyes Research Articles

Selective Upregulation of Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist and Interleukin-8 in Fuchs' Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy with Accompanying Cataract.

(1) Background: Patients with Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) may have coexisting cataracts and, therefore, may require a cataract surgery, which poses challenges due to potential endothelial cell damage. FECD is a degenerative eye disease of unclear etiology, with inflammatory cytokines maybe playing an important role in its development and progression. The present study aimed to investigate the cytokine profile in the aqueous humor of FECD eyes with cataract. (2) Methods: Fifty-two patients were included in the study, 26 with FECD + cataract and 26 with cataract as a control group. Samples of the aqueous humor were analyzed for pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines using a Bio-Plex 200 system. (3) Results: Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) and interleukin IL-8 levels were significantly higher in the aqueous humor of FECD + cataract patients compared to the control/cataract group. Moreover, the levels of anti-inflammatory IL-10 showed a strong trend to be higher in the FECD + cataract group compared to the control group. In contrast, there were no statistically significant differences in IL-1β, IL-6, IL-4, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, and tumor necrosis factor TNF-α between the groups. (4) Conclusions: Presented research contributes to a better understanding of FECD pathogenesis. Elevated levels of IL-1Ra and IL-8 may serve as a defense mechanism in people with FECD and coexisting cataract.

Differences in Guttae Ultramorphology in Relation to Visual Function in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in guttae ultramorphology and their relation to visual function in eyes with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). Thirty FECD eyes without ocular comorbidities were included. Visual functional parameters (best-corrected visual acuity with high-contrast and low-contrast letters and contrast sensitivity/LogCS) and corneal morphology measured with Scheimpflug tomography (Pentacam) were assessed. The surgically removed Descemet membranes were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. Preoperative mean best-corrected visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) was 0.52 ± 0.18, LogCS 0.96 ± 0.21 and central corneal thickness 640 ± 55 μm. All eyes had signs of subclinical corneal edema in Scheimpflug tomography; clinically visible corneal edema was present in 40% of eyes. Histological findings included a posterior fibrillar zone (PFZ) in 10 specimens (33%) and abnormal collagen depositions in Descemet membranes in 14 specimens (47%). Guttae buried within the PFZ were present only in eyes with clinically visible edema (n = 4, 13%). There was no difference in visual function results and tomography parameters between eyes with and without PFZ or between protruding guttae and guttae embedded in a PFZ, respectively. Guttae morphology and density were not correlated with visual functional parameters. Guttae buried in a PFZ occurred only in eyes with clinically manifest edema, and thereby, they are an ultramorphological sign for advanced FECD. Subclinical edema was present in all eyes and might be more relevant for quality of vision than guttae ultramorphology.

Comparison of Pre- and Post-DMEK Keratometry and Total Keratometry Values for IOL Power Calculations in Eyes Undergoing Triple DMEK

Purpose To evaluate prediction accuracy of pre- and post-DMEK keratometry (K) and total keratometry (TK) values for IOL power calculations in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) eyes undergoing DMEK with cataract surgery (triple DMEK). Methods Retrospective cross-sectional multicenter study of 55 FECD eyes (44 patients) that underwent triple DMEK between 2019 and 2022 between two centers in USA and Europe. Swept-source optical coherence tomography biometry (IOLMaster 700) was used for pre- and post-DMEK measurements. K and TK values were used for power calculations with ten formulae (Barrett Universal II (BUII), Castrop, Cooke K6, EVO 2.0, Haigis, Hoffer Q, Hoffer QST, Holladay I, Kane, and SRK/T). Mean error, mean absolute error (MAE), standard deviation, and percentage of eyes within ±0.50/±1.00 diopters (D) were calculated. Studied formulae were additionally adjusted using a method published previously (IOLup1D Method), which increases the IOL power by 1D. While both eyes from the same patient were considered for descriptive statistics, we restricted to one eye per individual (44 eyes for statistical comparisons. Results MAEs for all formulae were lower for post-DMEK K and TK than pre-DMEK K and TK by an average of 0.24 and 0.47 D, respectively. The lowest MAE was 0.49 D for Kane using post-DMEK TK, and the highest MAE was 1.05 D for BUII using pre-DMEK TK. Most IOLup1D formulae had lower MAEs than pre-DMEK K and TK formulae. Conclusions The IOLup1D Method should be used instead of pre-DMEK K and TK values for triple DMEK in FECD eyes. Using post-DMEK TK values for cataract surgery after DMEK provides better refractive accuracy than any of the three studied methods used for triple DMEK procedures.

Influence of Subclinical Corneal Edema on Contrast Sensitivity in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy.

The aim of this study was to compare visual function, with a focus on contrast sensitivity, between patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) with and without subclinical corneal edema. In this cross-sectional, observational, single-center study, 46 pseudophakic eyes of 31 patients with FECD were divided into 2 groups depending on the presence of subclinical corneal edema. All eyes presented with a Krachmer grade of 5 and no clinical corneal edema. The criteria for subclinical corneal edema were loss of regular isopachs, displacement of the thinnest point, and focal posterior surface depression in Scheimpflug tomography. If more than 1 criterion was present, subclinical corneal edema was diagnosed. The corrected distance visual acuity, contrast sensitivity (Pelli-Robson chart and CSV-1000 test with optional glare), and straylight were measured. The differences between both groups were analyzed using clustered Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. The corrected distance visual acuity and the contrast sensitivity, measured with a Pelli-Robson chart, were significantly inferior in eyes with subclinical corneal edema compared with eyes without subclinical edema ( P < 0.05). At all spatial frequencies, eyes with subclinical edema demonstrated lower contrast sensitivity with a statistically significantly reduction in total contrast sensitivity when tested with ( P = 0.005) and without ( P = 0.002) glare. The straylight did not significantly differ between both groups ( P > 0.05). The corrected distance visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were significantly reduced in FECD eyes with subclinical corneal edema compared with those with no subclinical edema. This decrease in visual quality may be considered when evaluating the need for surgical intervention at earlier stages of FECD.

Clinical Outcomes of Toric Intraocular Lenses in Patients with Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy.

Implantation of toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) in patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is still considered relatively contraindicated, without sufficient clinical evidence. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the results of toric IOL implantation in patients with FECD. A retrospective case-control study of 28 eyes of FECD patients and 84 eyes of healthy control patients who received toric IOLs during routine cataract surgery was performed. The outcome measures were uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity, spherical equivalent, and refractive residual astigmatism. The mean postoperative uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity in the FECD eyes compared to the control eyes were 0.15 ± 0.14 vs. 0.13 ± 0.17, respectively (P = 0.32), and 0.05 ± 0.08 vs. 0.06 ± 0.10, respectively (P = 0.95). The spherical equivalent in the FECD eyes compared to the control eyes was -0.29 ± 0.43 vs. -0.21 ± 0.50, respectively (P = 0.19). The preoperative corneal centroid astigmatism in the FECD eyes compared to the control eyes was 0.85D@93° ± 2.42° vs. 0.23D@68° ± 2.50°, respectively (P = 0.43), and the mean preoperative corneal astigmatism magnitude was 2.26 ± 1.1D vs. 2.28 ± 1.03D, respectively (P = 0.82). A trend toward higher postoperative refractive centroid astigmatism was found in the FECD eyes compared with the control eyes: 0.24D@28° ± 0.57° vs. 0.03D@127° ± 0.53°, respectively (P = 0.09). However, the mean refractive astigmatism magnitude was similar in FECD eyes and the healthy control eyes: 0.52 ± 0.31D vs. 0.42 ± 0.31D, respectively (P = 0.44) (D diopters). The postoperative refractive astigmatism (both centroid astigmatism and mean magnitude astigmatism) was no higher than 0.52D in both groups. Therefore, FECD patients without corneal edema can be considered for toric IOLs.

Long-Term Outcomes of Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty: Effect of Surgical Indication and Disease Severity.

The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and graft survival in a large patient cohort up to 10 years after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) based on surgical indication and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) severity. The cohort in this retrospective study included 750 eyes that underwent DMEK for FECD (86%), bullous keratopathy (BK, 9%), and other indications (5%). Based on the modified Krachmer grading, 186 eyes (29%) had moderate FECD (Krachmer grade 3-4) and 440 eyes (68%) had advanced FECD (Krachmer grade 5-6). Main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central corneal thickness, endothelial cell density (ECD), endothelial cell loss (ECL), postoperative complication rate, and graft survival. The mean 10-year BCVA was 0.08 ± 0.28 logMAR (n = 96), and the BCVA remained stable between 5 and 10 years postoperatively (all P > 0.05). The mean ECL at 5 and 10 years was 56% ± 17% (n = 460) and 66% ± 14% (n = 96), respectively ( P < 0.05). The 10-year graft survival rate for the total cohort was 0.85 (95% confidence interval, 0.82-0.89). BCVA and ECD differed at 1 to 5 years between eyes with different surgical indications (all P < 0.05), and FECD eyes had higher graft survival compared with BK eyes (0.90 vs. 0.60, P = 0.001). Moderate FECD eyes had better BCVA, ECD, and graft survival outcomes than advanced FECD eyes (all P < 0.05). Minor graft detachment ( P = 0.04) and lower donor ECD ( P = 0.01) were related to lower 10-year ECD. Long-term outcomes and graft survival after DMEK were better in FECD eyes than BK eyes and were also related to FECD disease severity. Eyes operated for moderate FECD showed the highest graft survival probability and excellent long-term outcomes.

Morphological features of the cornea in eyes with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy

To evaluate the morphological features of posterior corneal layers in pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) and Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). The study included 20 patients (20 eyes) aged 73.8±7.8 with PBK and 24 patients (25 eyes) aged 72.5±10.6 with FECD. Central corneal thickness was measured in all eyes before the surgery by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT, RTVue-100, Optovue, USA). All patients underwent corneal transplantation (DSAEK or DMEK). Postoperative donor graft status was assessed as attached or detached by AS-OCT (RTVue-100, Optovue, USA). Specimens of Descemet's membranes (DMs) were obtained intraoperatively and investigated histologically (hematoxylin and eosin staining). Morphometric analysis was performed using optical microscope Leica DM-2500 (Digital Color Camera Leica DFC295) and ImageScope M software. There was no difference in thickness of DMs' prenatal anterior banded layer (2.58±0.49 μm) and postnatal posterior non-banded layer (11.30±2.64 μm) between PBK and normal cornea. In FECD eyes, DM was significantly thickened by additional collagen layer and guttate excrescences (postnatal layer thickness - 16.62±4.34 μm). Morphological study of the DMs of patients with graft detachment in the early postoperative period revealed residual stromal collagen fibrils that were fixed to the area with dense extracellular matrix. The study shows that chronic corneal edema is associated with pathological morphological changes in the posterior corneal layers in PBK and FECD. Individual features of the dense extracellular matrix in the DMs may play a key role in the attachment of donor graft to the corneal stroma and affect the postoperative outcome.

Corneal Analysis with Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography in Patients with Coexisting Cataract and Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy

This study focused on defining the characteristic features of keratometry and pachymetry elevation maps based on swept source optical coherence tomography (SS OCT) in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) eyes with a coexisting cataract. 70 eyes of 35 patients diagnosed with FECD and a coexisting cataract and 70 control eyes were included in this prospective, controlled, observational, cross-sectional study. Features characteristic of intermediately affected eyes included an increased corneal thinnest thickness (CTT) (p = 0.01), 3 and 6 mm asymmetry (p < 0.0001), higher order Fourier indices (p < 0.05 and p ≤ 0.0001, respectively), chord µ, and a posterior Ectasia Screening Index (pESI) (p < 0.01). The lack of agreement between the anterior and posterior elevation map and a significant area of negative values in the posterior map were detected. In advanced FECD eyes, our study additionally revealed decreased posterior keratometry steep (Ks), keratometry flat (Kf), keratometry average (AvgK), eccentricity (Ecc), an increased corneal apex thickness (CAT), and decreased 3 and 6 mm posterior spherical indices (p < 0.0001 for all of the above). Characteristic features of subclinical FECD, independent of the corneal thickness, can be detected by SS OCT and should be considered during the preoperative assessment of patients with a coexisting cataract.

Fibrillar Layer as a Marker for Areas of Pronounced Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss in Advanced Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy

We sought to assess the correlation of corneal endothelial cell (CEC) density to alterations of collagen composition of Descemet membrane (DM) in advanced Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) and to image such changes by slit-lamp biomicroscopy invivo. Prospective, observational consecutive case series. Fifty eyes (50 subjects) with advanced FECD were enrolled. After slit-lamp biomicroscopy and corneal Scheimpflug imaging, the Descemet endothelium complex (DEC) was retrieved during DM endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) surgery. The expression of collagens I, III, and IV (COL I, COL III, and COL IV) and corresponding CEC density were analyzed by immunofluorescence flat mount-staining. Presence, diameter and surface area of collagen expression, and CEC density served as the main outcome measures. Immunofluorescence staining revealed central coherent collagen positive areas (mean surface area= 10mm2 ± 6mm2) corresponding to a fibrillar layer burying the guttae of DM in 84% (42/50) of DECs. CEC density overlying the fibrillar layer compared with the periphery was significantly reduced (-54.8%, P< .0001) with a steep decline of CEC density at its borders. Subgroup analysis revealed that the fibrillar layer may be imaged by slit-lamp biomicroscopy invivo with significant positive correlation of mean maximum diameter detected by slit-lamp biomicroscopy (dSL max= 4.1mm ± 0.9mm) and by immunofluorescence staining (dIF max= 4.7mm ± 1.1mm; r= 0.76; P= .001). A fibrillar layer with a clear geographic pattern marks areas of pronounced loss of CEC density in advanced FECD eyes and may be imaged by slit-lamp biomicroscopy invivo.

Morning Myopic Shift and Glare in Advanced Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy

Impaired subjective morning visual acuity with improvement of symptoms during the day is pathognomonic for corneal endothelial dysfunction in advanced Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). This study aimed to analyze the daily fluctuations of corneal thickness, refraction, and (glare) visual acuity in advanced FECD. Prospective cohort study. Patients with advanced FECD (FECD group) and patients with normal cornea (control group) were enrolled. Routine clinical examination was performed using slit-lamp biomicroscopy, funduscopy, and macular optical coherence tomography. In addition, assessment using corneal Scheimpflug tomography (Pentacam), refraction, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and glare CDVA was performed at 4 PM (afternoon) and the following day at 8 AM (morning). A total of 29 FECD eyes and 22 control eyes were included. Diurnal variations from afternoon to morning were Δ corneal thickness (apex) ± standard deviation (SD) 41.45 ± 34.1μm (P < .001, FECD group) and 5.5 ± 6.72μm (P= .001, control group); Δ spherical equivalent ± SD-0.64 ± 0.6 diopters (D) (P < .001, FECD group) and-0.01 ± 0.50 D (P= .461, control group); Δ total corneal refractive power ± SD 0.60 ± 0.83 D (P= .001, FECD group) and-0.01 ± 0.49 D (P= .602, control group), Δ CDVA ± SD 0.15 ± 0.18 logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) (P < .001, FECD group) and 0.02 ± 0.04 logMAR (P= .174, control group), Δ CDVA glare ± SD 0.34 ± 0.25 logMAR (P < .001, FECD group) and 0.05 ± 0.11 logMAR (P= .106, control group). A morning myopic shift and increased glare paralleling increased corneal thickness may particularly contribute to subjective visual impairment in advanced FECD in the first hours after awaking. This should be taken into account during assessment and surgical decision-making in patients with FECD.

Avoiding Hyperopic Surprises After Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in Fuchs Dystrophy Eyes by Assessing Corneal Shape

It is unclear which patients unexpectedly have a hyperopic refractive outcome after combined Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty and cataract surgery (triple DMEK). We assessed how corneal shape predicts hyperopia after triple DMEK. Retrospective cohort study. Patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) with Scheimpflug examinations before uncomplicated triple DMEK at a tertiary referral center were included. The arithmetic error was calculated (stable postoperative refraction minus predicted refraction). Using multinomial logistic regression, risk ratios of >+0.5 diopter (D) hyperopic and > 0.5 D myopic arithmetic errors were calculated. In 112 eyes, the median predicted refraction was-0.43 D (interquartile range [IQR],-0.47 to-0.17) with an achieved refraction of-0.63 to 0.56 (IQR). The arithmetic error was 0.34 D (IQR,-0.22 to 0.81). A hyperopic arithmetic error was present in 46% of eyes. FECD eyes with an oblate posterior cornea (Q value >0) had a 3.0 times higher risk of hyperopic shift after triple DMEK (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-7.0; P= .011), compared to spherical or prolate corneas (Q value ≤ 0). In eyes with posterior Q > 0, the mean prediction error was+0.50 D higher than in eyes with negative Q values (95% CI, 0.19-0.82; P= .002), independent of corneal thickness. Hyperopic surprises after triple DMEK particularly occur in corneas that are flatter centrally than the periphery because of edematous changes (oblate posterior profile). Eyes with a positive Q value on Scheimpflug imaging should be considered for additional power at the intraocular lens level.

Determining Subclinical Edema in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy: Revised Classification using Scheimpflug Tomography for Preoperative Assessment

To determine if Scheimpflug tomography can identify subclinical corneal edema in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), and to recommend a new classification of FECD for clinical practice and research. Cross-sectional study with follow-up of outcomes. Ninety-three eyes from 57 subjects with a range of severity of FECD and 74 eyes from 40 subjects with normal corneas. Corneas were clinically assessed for FECD and corneal edema by using slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and categorized as having clinically definite edema (obvious visible edema), being suspicious for subclinical edema (possible corneal thickening without obvious edema on slit-lamp examination), or not having edema (no clinical suspicion of edema). Tomographic pachymetry and elevation maps derived from Scheimpflug images were evaluated by 3 masked observers for specific features believed to be consistent with corneal edema. FECD clinical disease course and outcomes were reviewed from the time of Scheimpflug image acquisition to the last available follow-up. Presence of tomographic features: (1) loss of parallel isopachs, (2) displacement of the thinnest point of the cornea, and (3) focal posterior corneal surface depression. Clinical outcomes included the change in central corneal thickness (CCT) and vision after endothelial keratoplasty (EK). The 3 specific tomographic features were all present in all FECD corneas with clinically definite edema (n= 15), in ≥81% of FECD corneas suspicious for subclinical edema (n= 16), in ≤42% of FECD corneas deemed not to have edema (n= 62), and in ≤5% of normal corneas (n= 74). Corneas suspicious for subclinical edema that subsequently underwent EK (n= 9) all had at least 2 of the tomographic features present before EK, and improvement in vision, CCT, and tomographic features after EK confirmed the presence of subclinical edema preoperatively. Subclinical corneal edema in FECD can be detected by Scheimpflug tomography. We recommend classifying FECD corneas as having clinically definite edema (based on slit-lamp examination), subclinical edema (based on tomographic features without clinically definite edema), or no edema (no tomographic or slit-lamp features of edema). This classification is independent of CCT and should be considered when evaluating FECD eyes for cataract surgery or EK.

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.

Changes in lipidomic profile of aqueous humour in Fuchs endothelial dystrophy.

To identify and determine differences in lipid profile of aqueous humour (AH) in patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). Lipidomic profile of eight AH samples of FECD patients and 10 control samples was analysed. Patients with previous history of anterior segment surgery, anterior segment pathology or intraocular injections were excluded. Topical ocular medications within the last 6months were reported. Aqueous humour (AH) was obtained during the first step of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty in FECD patients and during refractive lensectomy in the control group. Lipidomic ultra-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry was used to perform an optimal profiling of glycerolipids, sterol lipids, sphingolipids and glycerophospholipids. Metabolite extraction was accomplished by fractionating the samples into pools of species with similar physicochemical properties. The levels of 27 of 110 lipids change significantly in the AH of FECD eyes when compared to control samples. The concentration of most diacylglycerophosphocholines and 1-ether, 2-acylglycerophosphocholines increases in the AH of FECD eyes when compared to healthy controls. In addition, eight sphingomyelins and up to two long-chain highly unsaturated cholesteryl esters present higher levels in FECD samples when compared to controls. The lipid composition of AH in FECD patients differs from that of healthy subjects. Those changes may reflect oxidative stress-related changes in the lipid metabolism of the corneal endothelial cells in FECD.

Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)-Related Cytokines in the Aqueous Humor of Phakic and Pseudophakic Fuchs' Dystrophy Eyes.

The present study aimed to analyze the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related cytokines in the aqueous humor of phakic and pseudophakic Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) eyes and their correlation to FECD severity. Aqueous humor samples from phakic FECD eyes (FECDph, n = 9), from pseudophakic FECD eyes more than 1 year after cataract surgery (FECDpsph, n = 13), and from cataract controls without FECD (Controlcat, n = 28) were obtained during Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) or cataract surgery. Expression of EMT-related cytokines (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, TGF-β3, MCP-1, BFGF, TNF-α, IL-1β) was measured using multiplex bead assay. Corneal central-to-peripheral thickness ratio at 3.5 mm from the center (CPTR3.5) was determined as an objective metric for FECD severity before surgery by slit-scanning pachymetry. Pseudophakic FECD eyes showed significantly elevated expression compared with Controlcat and FECDph eyes for TGF-β1 (P < 0.001, respectively), for TGF-β2 (P < 0.05, respectively), and MCP-1 (P < 0.001, respectively). Levels of TGF-β1 (r = 0.6116, P < 0.05) and MCP-1 (r = 0.5934, P < 0.05) were positively correlated with CPTR3.5. No differences in EMT-associated protein levels were detected comparing FECDph eyes and Controlcat eyes. Simultaneous elevation of TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and MCP-1 concentrations in FECDpsph eyes confirms that cataract surgery leads to long-term alterations of the intraocular microenvironment. Positive correlation of increased aqueous TGF-β1 and MCP-1 levels with CPTR3.5 in pseudophakic FECD eyes suggests that changed cytokine levels may be involved in corneal decompensation after cataract surgery. Unchanged aqueous humor levels of EMT-related proteins analyzed in phakic FECD patients indicate that there is no primary role of these aqueous cytokines in FECD pathogenesis.