Optical quality of the transplanted cornea after Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty

Session Details

Session Title: Cornea Surgical I

Session Date/Time: Monday 15/09/2014 | 08:00-10:30

Paper Time: 09:14

Venue: Boulevard B

First Author: : J.Parker USA

Co Author(s): :    K. van Dijk   K. Droutsas   J. Hou   S. Sangsari   V. Liarakos   G. Melles

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To evaluate corneal higher order aberrations (HOAs) and densitometry before and after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and their correlation with visual outcome.

Setting:

Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery / Tertiary referral center.

Methods:

In a total of 118 consecutive eyes of 118 patients who underwent uneventful DMEK for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (FED) at a tertiary referral center, best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), corneal HOAs and densitometry were retrospectively evaluated, preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. Outcome data were compared to an age-matched control group with uncomplicated eyes (n=27).

Results:

Compared to the control group, DMEK eyes showed higher values of anterior and posterior HOAs and densitometry (P<0.033). Postoperative anterior HOAs and densitometry (0-2mm) negatively affected 6 months BSCVA (P<0.021). Anterior corneal HOAs did not change from preoperative to 6 month after DMEK (P=0.649), while total posterior HOAs (RMS 3rd to 6th Zernike order), and densitometry decreased (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

Anterior and posterior corneal HOAs, as well as corneal densitometry were elevated in eyes suffering from FED and remained higher throughout 6 months after DMEK. If present, anterior surface irregularities and anterior corneal haze may be the most important limiting factors in visual rehabilitation after DMEK.

Financial Interest:

NONE