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Long-term results on best corrected visual acuity and endothelial cell density after Descemet"s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK)

Session Details

Session Title: Cornea surgical I

Session Date/Time: Tuesday 08/10/2013 | 08:00-10:30

Paper Time: 09:30

Venue: Forum (Ground Floor)

First Author: : L.Ham THE NETHERLANDS

Co Author(s): :    K. van Dijk   V. Liarakos   L. Baydoun   I. Dapena   J. van der Wees   G.

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To report on the visual outcomes and endothelial cell density (ECD) up to 6 years after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

Setting:

Non-randomized, prospective clinical study, at a tertiary referral center. Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery, Rotterdam.

Methods:

DMEK was performed for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, bullous keratopathy or secondary transplant failure in 300 consecutive eyes. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and ECD were documented before, and after surgery at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, and annually thereafter.

Results:

A BCVA of ?20/40 was reached by 97.4% of eyes within the first 6 months after surgery and 79% reached ?20/25, which remained stable up to 6 years. Within the first months after DMEK, a 35% decrease in ECD was observed, followed by an annual decrease of 8.6%.

Conclusions:

DMEK provides a fast and often complete visual recovery up to 6 years after surgery. The decrease in ECD after DMEK in the long term, compares to earlier endothelial keratoplasty techniques.

Financial Interest:

NONE