Purpose To compare objective and subjective outcomes after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in the fellow eye of the ...same patients. Study Design Single-center, retrospective case series. Methods Seventeen patients with bilateral Fuchs endothelial dystrophy who underwent DSAEK earlier in 1 eye, and later underwent DMEK in the contralateral eye, composed study population. A chart review was completed to obtain follow-up data for at least 6 months after each surgery. Outcome measures included best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and endothelial cell density (ECD). Subjective questionnaires were used to assess patients' satisfaction. Results Preoperative BSCVA (logMAR) was similar in both groups, 0.66 ± 0.4 in DMEK and 0.59 ± 0.4 in DSAEK ( P = .6). The DMEK group showed better BSCVA than the DSAEK group at the 6-month time point (0.25 ± 0.1 and 0.39 ± 0.1, for DMEK and DSAEK, respectively, P = .02). Preoperative ECD (cells/mm2 ) was similar in both groups (2647 ± 249 and 2768 ± 404, P = .3) in DMEK and DSAEK, respectively. There was statistically significant difference found in ECD at 6 months (2227 ± 565 for DMEK and 1780 ± 433 for DSAEK, P = .049). Subjective level of average satisfaction after DMEK was 6 and after DSAEK was 4.87 ± 1.19 ( P = .002). Conclusions DMEK provided better visual outcome and lower endothelial cell loss than DSAEK and a higher level of patient satisfaction when assessed at 6 months after surgery. Our results comparing the 2 procedures in the same patients support the benefits of DMEK, and suggest the need for long-term studies observing this new surgical procedure.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
To assess the outcomes of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in patients with ocular hypotony after glaucoma surgery.
retrospective case series.
Setting: Multicenter retrospective case ...series. Patients/Intervention: Hypotonic eyes with prior glaucoma surgery that underwent DMEK between January 2013 and July 2019 in Israel (2 centers) and Canada (1 center). Main Outcome Measures: Pre/postoperative corrected distance visual acuity, complications, 3- to 6-month endothelial cell loss, and intraocular pressure (IOP).
The study included 11 DMEK procedures performed in 10 eyes of 4 males and 6 females aged 65-84 years. Indications for DMEK included 7 cases of pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, 2 cases of failed DMEK, and 1 case of failed Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty. All patients had at least 1 previous trabeculectomy operation. One patient had 2 trabeculectomy procedures and 1 tube placement procedure. Two patients had 1 previous trabeculectomy and 1 tube placement procedure. The corrected distance visual acuity improved significantly from 1.52 ± 0.68 logarithm of minimal angle of resolution preoperatively to 0.49 ± 0.32 logarithm of minimal angle of resolution 3 months postoperatively (P < .001). Rebubbling occurred in 3 of 11 procedures (27%). Endothelial cell loss 6-12 months postoperatively was 60% ± 16% (range, 41%-89%). At the last follow-up visit, 6 of 11 (54%) of the grafts were clear. The remaining 5 grafts failed at 1-4 years postoperatively. The preoperative IOP was 5.1 ± 1.6 mm Hg (range, 1-7 mm Hg). In all but one patient, the postoperative IOP did not increase to more than 13 mm Hg. In 2 cases, the IOP decreased from 5 and 7 mm Hg preoperatively to 1 mm Hg 1 year postoperatively.
DMEK is a valid procedure for the treatment of corneal edema in hypotonic eyes after glaucoma procedures. These eyes benefit from improvement in vision after DMEK.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
PURPOSE:The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of accelerated crosslinking (irradiance of 9 mW/cm; 10 minutes) in keratoconus-affected eyes through topographical, visual, and refractive end ...points.
METHODS:Mild-moderate keratoconus-affected eyes that underwent accelerated corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) treatment and had 6 and 12 months of follow-up were reviewed retrospectively. Data regarding uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), manifest refraction, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and computerized corneal topography data before surgery and post-CXL treatment were extracted and analyzed.
RESULTS:Sixteen eyes of 14 patients were included in the study. The mean patient age was 24.9 ± 5.8 years (range17.1–38.3 years). No statistically significant changes were found in the mean CDVA, mean refractive cylinder, or mean manifest refraction spherical equivalent at either time point. There was a gain of 0.13 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution lines in the mean UDVA (P = 0.012) at 12 months. All corneal parameters including Ksteep, Kflat, average K (Km), corneal astigmatism (Kcyl), and maximal curvature reading at the corneal apex (Kmax) were stable at 6 and 12 months in all patients. No complications were observed during the follow-up period.
CONCLUSIONS:Accelerated corneal CXL is effective in stabilizing topographic parameters after 12 months of follow-up in mild-moderate keratoconus-affected corneas. Improvement in the UDVA and stabilization of all tested corneal parameters were noted after the treatment. However, a longer follow-up with larger cohorts is necessary to validate these findings.
PURPOSE:To evaluate 3-year outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (F-DMEK) compared with manual Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (M-DMEK) in ...patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD).
METHODS:A retrospective, interventional study, including eyes with FECD and cataract that underwent either F-DMEK or M-DMEK combined with cataract extraction at either the Toronto Western Hospital or Kensington Eye Institute, and that had at least 18 monthsʼ follow-up was conducted. Exclusion criteriacomplicated anterior segments, previous vitrectomy, previous keratoplasty, corneal opacity, or any other visually significant ocular comorbidity.
RESULTS:Included were 16 eyes of 15 patients in the F-DMEK group (average follow-up 33.0 ± 9.0 months) and 45 eyes of 40 patients in the M-DMEK group (average follow-up 32.0 ± 7.0 months). There were no issues with the creation of femtosecond descemetorhexis (in the F-DMEK group)—all descemetorhexis cuts were complete. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improvement did not differ significantly between the groups at 1, 2, and 3 years (P = 0.849, P = 0.465 and P = 0.936, respectively). Rates of significant detachment in F-DMEK and M-DMEK were 1 of 16 eyes (6.25%) and 16 of 45 eyes (35.6%) (P = 0.027). Rebubbling rates were 1 of 16 eyes (6.25%) and 15 of 45 eyes (33.3%) (P = 0.047). Cell-loss rates following F-DMEK and M-DMEK were 26.8% and 36.5% at 1 year (P = 0.042), 30.5% and 42.3% at 2 years (P = 0.008), 37% and 47.5% at 3 years (P = 0.057), respectively. Graft failure rate was 0% in F-DMEK and 8.9% in M-DMEK (all were primary failures; P = 0.565).
CONCLUSIONS:F-DMEK showed good efficacy with reduced detachment, rebubble, and cell-loss rates, compared with M-DMEK.
The aim of the study was to report clinical outcomes of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) combined with transscleral-sutured intraocular lens (IOL) compared with DMEK combined with ...phacoemulsification and posterior chamber IOL (Phaco-DMEK).
A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent DMEK combined with transscleral-sutured intraocular lens fixation or combined with phacoemulsification for Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy from 2016 to 2021 at the Toronto Western Hospital or the Kensington Eye Institute (Toronto, ON, Canada) and had at least 18 months of follow-up was performed. Main outcomes were postoperative distance-corrected visual acuity, rebubbling rate, graft survival rate, and complications.
Twenty-one cases of DMEK combined with transscleral-sutured IOL (DMEK-TSS-IOL) and 44 cases of Phaco-DMEK were evaluated. Twelve eyes (57.15%) had a foldable acrylic 3-piece IOL (AR40E) and 9 (42.85%) had a single-piece polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) IOL (CZ70BD). LogMAR distance-corrected visual acuity improved significantly from 1.48 ± 0.62 (SD) to 0.86 ± 0.82 (P = 0.01) 12 months after DMEK-TSS-IOL and from 0.41 ± 0.29 logMAR to 0.11 ± 0.11 logMAR (P < 0.0001) after Phaco-DMEK. No statistically significant differences were observed in donor (P = 0.97) or 1-year postoperative endothelial cell density (P = 0.11) between the groups. Rebubbling was necessary in 33.33% of eyes in DMEK-TSS-IOL compared with 25% of Phaco-DMEK eyes (P = 0.55). Graft survival rate was 76.19% in the DMEK-TSS-IOL group compared with 90.90% in the Phaco-DMEK group (P = 0.13).
Transscleral-sutured IOL combined with DMEK is an option for the management of endothelial diseases in aphakic eyes or those which require IOL exchange for the experienced surgeon. However, when compared with routine Phaco-DMEK, there are higher complication and lower survival rates at 18 months.
To evaluate 4-year outcomes of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in eyes with previous glaucoma surgery.
Retrospective, comparative case series.
Patients with previous trabeculectomy ...or glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation who later underwent DMEK (study group) were matched for follow-up duration with Fuchs dystrophy DMEK patients (control group). The minimum follow-up was 18 months. Primary outcomes included graft survival and rejection rates, and secondary outcomes included rates of detachment/rebubble, endothelial cell loss, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and glaucoma medications/surgeries. Subgroup analysis compared eyes with and without a GDD.
Ninety-four eyes of 91 patients were included. There were 51 eyes of 49 patients in the study group (GDD = 32 eyes, no GDD = 19 eyes) and 43 eyes of 42 patients in the control group. The mean follow-up was 37.9 ± 15.2 and 33.8 ± 13.5 months, respectively (P = .322). Graft survival probability of the study group at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months was 75%, 60%, 43%, and 27%, respectively, compared with a consistent 88% in the control group (P < .001). Survival curves of study subgroups (GDD and no GDD) were significantly lower than the control group (P < .001). Rejection rates in the study and control groups were 19.6% and 2.3%, respectively (P = .010). Endothelial cell loss in the study group was 12%-22% higher than the control group at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months (P = .049, P = .027, P = .200, and P = .004).
In eyes with previous glaucoma surgery, DMEK has good early outcomes, but longer-term rejection and failure rates are high. Physicians and patients should be cognizant of the high likelihood of graft failure in this setting.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
To evaluate repeat Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (re-DMEK) success rates and to identify risk factors for re-DMEK failure.
Retrospective case series.
Settings: Institutional. Patients ...and interventions: A chart review was performed, including all eyes with primary DMEK failure that underwent re-DMEK between 2013 and 2019 at the Toronto Western Hospital and the Kensington Eye Institute (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) and had at least 6 months of follow-up. Main outcome measure: Predicting factors for re-DMEK outcome.
Of 590 consecutive DMEK surgeries, 40 eyes (6.7%) were identified for having a secondary DMEK surgery after primary DMEK failure. Etiologies for primary DMEK were Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (32.5%), pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (35%), previous failed graft (27.5%), and other indications (5%). Fifty-five percent of the cohort were categorized as having a complicated anterior segment including 11 eyes with previous glaucoma surgery, 7 eyes post–penetrating keratoplasty, 4 eyes post–Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty, 3 eyes peripheral anterior synechia, 3 eyes previous pars plana vitrectomy, 2 eyes aphakia, and 1 eye each with aniridia, anterior chamber intraocular lens, and iris-fixated intraocular lens. Re-DMEK failure was documented in 12 eyes (30%) of the entire cohort. The risk factor for re-DMEK failure was the presence of a complicated anterior segment (P = .01, odds ratio = 17.0 95% confidence interval: 1.92-150.85), with 50% re-DMEK failure rate in this subgroup.
Re-DMEK is a viable option for cases of primary DMEK failure, especially for eyes with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy as the indication for primary DMEK without other ocular morbidities; however, eyes categorized with a complicated anterior segment had high re-DMEK failure rates.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
To investigate outcomes of femtosecond laser (FL)-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and refractive lens exchange (RLE) in patients with prior radial keratotomy (RK).
Single clinical practice.
...Retrospective observational case series.
All patients with prior RK undergoing FLACS- or FL-assisted RLE surgeries over a 6-year period were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were diurnal stability and stable manifest refraction. Exclusion criteria were any other incisional corneal surgery, macular or glaucomatous pathology, or vision loss due to any other cause. Data collected included demographics, visual acuity, laser settings, and complications. Main outcome measures were intraoperative and postoperative complications and visual outcomes. Safety and efficacy indices were evaluated.
16 eyes of 9 patients were included. Mean age and follow-up time were 59.9 ± 9.9 years (range 44 to 75 years) and 3.3 ± 2.5 months, respectively. The mean number of RK cuts was 11.8 ± 5.3 (range 8 to 20). Mean preoperative uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were 0.9 ± 0.4 logMAR (Snellen 20/160) and 0.2 ± 0.3 logMAR (Snellen 20/30), respectively. 2 intraoperative anterior capsule tears were identified. 1 postoperative intraocular lens dislocation occurred. Postoperatively, the mean UDVA and CDVA were 0.2 ± 0.2 logMAR (20/30) and 0.1 ± 0.1 logMAR (20/25), respectively. The safety index was 1.6, and the efficacy index was 1.2.
FLACS- or FL-assisted RLE surgery in RK patients has a high risk for anterior capsule tear and should be avoided. Thickened incisional scars are potential sources of incomplete laser penetrance. Toric lens implantation in RK eyes provide unpredictable astigmatic correction and should also be avoided.
To compare outcomes of manual Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (M-DMEK) and femtosecond laser–assisted Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (F-DMEK) in treatment of penetrating ...keratoplasty (PK) graft failure.
Setting: Retrospective, interventional comparative case series. PatientPopulation: Included were all patients with a failed PK graft who underwent either F-DMEK (10 eyes of 10 patients) or M-DMEK (29 eyes of 29 patients) at Toronto Western Hospital and the Kensington Eye Institute between 2014 and 2019, and had 6 months of postoperative follow-up. OutcomeMeasures: Rates of graft detachment, rebubbling, rejection and failure, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and endothelial cell (EC) density.
Rate of significant graft detachment (detachment requiring either rebubble or repeat keratoplasty) was 10.0% in F-DMEK and 65.5% in M-DMEK (P = .003). Rebubble rate was 10.0% in F-DMEK and 58.6% in M-DMEK (P = .011). Primary failure rate was 0% in F-DMEK and 27.6% in M-DMEK (P = .086). Rates of rejection and secondary failure did not differ between the groups (P = 1.000 for both). In a multivariable analysis, F-DMEK was found to be the only independent factor significantly associated with reduced postoperative detachment. Postoperative BSCVA at 6 months returned to prefailure levels in both groups, with no significant difference between the groups at any time point. EC loss rates were 43.8% in F-DMEK and 38.0% in M-DMEK at 6 months (P = .453).
F-DMEK is a safe and effective procedure in failed PK patients, with outcomes comparable to M-DMEK, and with reduced detachment and rebubble rates. A trend towards reduced primary failure should be further studied.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
We describe the first known use of telementoring in corneal surgery and technology combining a 3-dimensional microscope system, 5G live streaming technology, group chat software, and a virtual ...reality headset for intercontinental surgical supervision.
Three surgeons in Toronto were proctored by a surgeon in Israel in the implantation of a novel keratoprosthesis device (CorNeat KPro; Ra'anana, Israel) into cadaver eyes. In Toronto, the NGENUITY platform (Alcon) transmitted high-definition, 3-dimensional images to the proctor in Israel who viewed the live video through a GOOVIS Virtual Reality headset with subsecond latency. This was made possible by the LiveU technology (Hackensack, NJ), which is a portable device to increase the bandwidth of transmission. The primary outcome was the successful completion of CorNeat KPro implantation. After each procedure, all surgeons completed a Likert scale questionnaire that assessed opinions on telementoring.
All participants implanted the CorNeat KPro device. There was significant satisfaction reported. A total cumulative score from the questionnaire was 149 of 150 from the operating surgeons, with a score of 135 of 150 by the proctor. All felt that there was excellent AV quality with no lag time and recommended the technology.
Telementoring is a promising tool that can traverse large distances for ophthalmic education.