Posters

Outcomes of ultrathin DSAEK performed in eyes with primary failure DMEK

Poster Details

First Author: S.Graffi ISRAEL

Co Author(s):    P. Leon   M. Busin                 

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To evaluate the outcomes of ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) performed in eyes with primary graft failure after Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), in an attempt at optimizing visual rehabilitation while minimizing the possibility of complications.

Setting:

Ophthalmology Department, Villa Igea Private Hospital, Forli, Italy.

Methods:

Charts of seventeen eyes that underwent UT- DSAEK for post-DMEK primary failure were reviewed retrospectively. In all cases, surgery was aimed at transplanting a graft, 100 �Â�µm or less in central graft thickness (CGT). Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and endothelial cell density (ECD) recorded 6 and 12 months postoperatively as well as CGT measured 6 months after UT-DSAEK.

Results:

When considering only eyes without co-morbidities (10 of 17), 6 months after UT-DSAEK, BSCVA was �â�‰�¥20/40 in all cases, �â�‰�¥ 20/25 in 8 eyes and 20/20 in 1 eye; 12 months after UT-DSAEK, BSCVA was �â�‰�¥ 20/25 in all cases and �â�‰�¥ 20/20 in 8 of 10 eyes. Mean ECD decreased from 2523�Â�±139 cells/ mm2 preoperatively, to 1813�Â�±401 cells/mm2 at 6 months and 1691�Â�±399 cells/ mm2 at 12 months postoperatively. CGT averaged 80.7�Â�±27.3 �Â�µm (range= 38 to128 �Â�µm) 6 months after UT-DSAEK. No intra- or postoperative complications were recorded.

Conclusions:

UT-DSAEK proved effective in resolving corneal edema following DMEK primary failure and allowed all but 2 patients (80%) free of co-morbidities to achieve 20/20 vision in the absence of any type of complications.

Financial Disclosure:

NONE