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5 year clinical outcomes of DMEK in both eyes of patients with Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy

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First Author: L.Baydoun GERMANY

Co Author(s):    S. Luceri   I. Vasiliauskaitė   V. Bourgonje   S. Oellerich   G. Melles        

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To assess the outcomes of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) performed in both eyes of patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy.

Setting:

Retrospective, interventional case series conducted at the Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery.

Methods:

In total, 250 DMEK eyes of 125 patients that had received primary DMEK in both eyes were included in the analysis and followed until 5 years after surgery. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), endothelial cell density (ECD), and postoperative complications were analysed.

Results:

DMEK in the second eye was performed 11 months (median) after the first eye. First/second eyes reached a BCVA of ≥20/25 (0.8) in 84%/73% at 6 months and in 82%/75% at 5 years postoperatively. Preoperative ECD decreased in first and second eyes, from 2560 (±216) cells/mm2 and 2550 (±210) cells/mm2 to 1645 (±560) cells/mm2 and 1600 (±510) cells/mm2 respectively at 6 months and to 1170 (±505) cells/mm2 and 1190 (±485) cells /mm2 respectively at 5 years. Bilateral graft detachment occurred in 7 patients. Allograft rejection occurred in 3 patients unilaterally and in one patient bilaterally. Graft failure did not occur bilaterally.

Conclusions:

Clinical outcomes after bilateral DMEK are sustainable in the longer term. Having a bilateral complication may be relatively rare within the first 5 years after DMEK.

Financial Disclosure:

... receives consulting fees, retainer, or contract payments from a competing company