A new surgical technique: Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty in vitrectomized eyes

Session Details

Session Title: Presented Poster Session: Cornea: Surgical

Venue: Poster Village: Pod 3

First Author: : O.Evren Kemer TURKEY

Co Author(s): :    E. Karaca   D. Ozek                    

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Shallowing the anterior chamber during descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) may be difficult in vitrectomized eyes. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of modified DMEK in vitrectomized eyes.

Setting:

University of Health Sciences, Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of previously vitrectomized pseudophakic eyes that underwent DMEK at Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital was performed. In modified DMEK technique, 30 gauge needle was passed through the pars plana and its tip was directed to intraocular lens to shallow the anterior chamber for twenty seconds. In this way, DMEK graft was unscrolled and appropriately positioned. Then we injected air into the anterior chamber to secure the graft and waited 10-15 minutes for adhesion.

Results:

Four eyes of four patients (2 males and 2 females) aged 70.5 ± 12.76 years were included. Mean best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly from 1.75 ± 0.5 logMAR preoperatively to 0.61 ± 0.26 logMAR at 3 months postoperatively (P =0.001). There were no significant intraoperative complications or graft failures. All of the eyes had graft detachment, which resolved after 2 or three rebubbling procedures.

Conclusions:

The use of 30 gauge needle through pars plana in previously vitrectomized eyes could shallow and stabilize the anterior segment during DMEK and can potentially increase the success of the surgery.

Financial Disclosure:

None