Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) has become the goldstandard in the treatment of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy and early stages of (pseudophakic) bullous keratopathy due to the ...safer ´closed globe` surgery, the fast and excellent visual recovery and low complication rates. In those cases, DMEK can often be performed in a standardized manner. Given the outstanding clinical outcomes, the spectrum of indications has expanded in the past years: thus, also more complex cases, such as eyes with advanced corneal edema, altered anterior chamber anatomy, failed lamellar grafts, failed penetrating keratoplasty, as well as, phakic, aphakic and vitrectomized eyes are being treated with DMEK. Although DMEK surgery in complicated eyes proved feasible, the procedure is technically more challenging because of the impaired visualization during surgery and the unpredictable graft behaviour. Surgical strategies to accomplish DMEK in complex eyes have been suggested and customization of recipient/donor characteristics (donor age, graft size) may facilitate the surgery. Still, clinical outcomes appear not as good as in standard indications and there is uncertainty concerning the long-term graft survival.
To evaluate the clinical outcome of 500 consecutive cases after Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and the effect of technique standardization.
Prospective, interventional case ...series at a tertiary referral center.
A total of 500 eyes of 393 patients who underwent DMEK for Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy, bullous keratopathy, or previous corneal transplant failure.
Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), endothelial cell density (ECD), pachymetry, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated before and 1, 3, and 6 months after DMEK.
Comparison between 2 groups (group I: cases 1-250, outcome of "early surgeries" during transition to technique standardization; group II: cases 251-500, outcome of "late surgeries" after technique standardization).
At 6 months, 75% of eyes reached a BCVA of ≥20/25 (≥0.8), 41% of eyes achieved ≥20/20 (≥1.0), and 13% of eyes achieved ≥20/18 (≥1.2) (n=418) when excluding eyes with ocular comorbidities (n=57). When including all available eyes at 6 months (n=475), 66% of eyes reached a BCVA of ≥20/25 (≥0.8), and 36% of eyes achieved ≥20/20 (≥1.0). Mean ECD decreased by 37% (±18%) to 1600 (±490) cells/mm2 (n=447) at 6 months (P<0.001). Postoperative pachymetry averaged 525 (±46) μm compared with 667 (±92) μm preoperatively (P<0.001). None of these parameters differed among the 2 groups (P>0.05). (Partial) graft detachment presented in 79 eyes (15.8%), and 26 eyes (5.2%) required a secondary surgery within the first 6 months (re-bubbling in 15, secondary keratoplasty in 11). With technique standardization, the postoperative complication rate decreased from 23.2% to 10% (P<0.001) and the rate of secondary surgeries decreased from 6.8% to 3.6% (P=0.10).
In comparison with earlier endothelial keratoplasty techniques, DMEK may consistently give higher visual outcomes and faster visual rehabilitation. When used for the extended spectrum of endothelial pathologies, DMEK proved feasible with a relatively low risk of complications. Technique standardization may have contributed to a lower graft detachment rate and a relatively low secondary intervention rate. As such, DMEK may become the first choice of treatment in corneal endothelial disease.
To evaluate the 10-year graft survival and clinical outcomes of the first case series after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).
Retrospective, interventional case series.
After ...excluding the very first 25 DMEK eyes that constitute the technique learning curve, the following 100 consecutive primary DMEK eyes (88 patients) were included. Main outcome parameters (survival, best-corrected visual acuity BCVA, central endothelial cell density ECD, and central corneal thickness CCT) were evaluated up to 10 years postoperatively, and postoperative complications were documented.
At 5 and 10 years after DMEK, 68 and 57 of 100 eyes, respectively, were still available for analysis. Of those eyes, 82% and 89% reached a BCVA of ≥20/25 (decimal VA ≥0.8) at 5- and 10 years postoperatively, respectively. Preoperative donor ECD decreased by 59% at 5 years and 68% at 10 years postoperatively. CCT averaged 668 ±74 μm preoperatively and 540 ± 33 μm and 553 ± 43 μm at 5 and 10 years, respectively, after surgery. Within 10 years, 4% of eyes developed allograft rejection, no primary graft failures occurred, and 6% of the eyes developed secondary graft failure. Graft survival probability was 0.83 (95% confidence interval CI, 0.75-0.92) and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.70-0.88) at 5 and 10 years postoperatively, respectively.
Most eyes that underwent surgery in the pioneering phase of DMEK showed excellent and stable clinical outcomes with low postoperative complication rates and promising graft longevity over the first decade after surgery. This suggests that DMEK may be a safe long-term treatment option for corneal endothelial diseases.
To evaluate the clinical outcome of 500 consecutive cases up to 2 years after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and to assess which parameters may have influenced the clinical ...outcome.
From a group of 500 eyes (393 patients), which underwent DMEK for Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), bullous keratopathy, failed corneal transplants and other indications, clinical outcomes best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central endothelial cell density (ECD), and central corneal thickness were evaluated before, and at 6, 12, and 24 months after DMEK and postoperative complications were documented.
At 12 months postoperatively, 81% of eyes reached a BCVA of ≥20/25 (≥0.8), 49% ≥20/20 (≥1.0), and 15% ≥20/18 (≥1.2) (n = 396) and remained stable up to 24 months (P = 0.828). Compared with preoperative ECD, mean postoperative ECD decreased by 37 (±18)%, 40 (±18)%, and 45 (±18)% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively (P < 0.05 for all time points). Surgery indication and graft attachment status were related to postoperative BCVA and ECD results. Eyes with FECD and attached grafts showed better BCVA outcomes and higher ECD (P < 0.05). Central corneal thickness decreased by 20 (±11)% to 525 (±46) μm from preoperative to 6 months postoperatively and remained stable thereafter (P > 0.05). Within the study period, retransplantation was required in 32 eyes (6.4%). Principal longer-term complications were secondary graft failure (1.4%) and allograft rejection (1.4%).
Clinical outcomes remain excellent up to 2 years after DMEK, in particular for eyes operated on for FECD and with completely attached grafts.
To describe the clinical outcome and complications of repeat Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (re-DMEK).
Retrospective case series study at a tertiary referral center.
From a series of 550 ...consecutive DMEK surgeries with ≥ 6 months follow-up, 17 eyes underwent re-DMEK for graft detachment after initial DMEK (n = 14) and/or endothelial graft failure (n = 3). The outcomes were compared with an age-matched control group of uncomplicated primary DMEK surgeries.
The re-DMEK eyes were evaluated for best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), densitometry, endothelial cell density (ECD), pachymetry, and intraoperative and postoperative complications.
Feasibility and clinical outcome of re-DMEK.
In all eyes, re-DMEK was uneventful. At 12 months, 12 of 14 eyes (86%) achieved a BCVA of ≥ 20/40 (≥ 0.5); 8 of 14 eyes (57%) achieved ≥ 20/25 (≥ 0.8), 3 of 14 eyes (21%) achieved ≥ 20/20 (≥ 1.0), and 1 eye (7%) achieved 20/17 (1.2); 5 eyes were fitted with a contact lens. Average donor ECD decreased from 2580 ± 173 cells/mm(2) before to 1390 ± 466 cells/mm(2) at 6 months after surgery, and pachymetry from 703 ± 126 μm to 515 ± 39 μm, respectively. No difference in densitometry could be detected between re-DMEK and control eyes (P = 0.99). Complications after re-DMEK included primary graft failure (n = 1), secondary graft failure (n = 2), graft detachment requiring rebubbling (n = 1), secondary glaucoma (n = 2), cataract (n = 1), and corneal ulcer (n = 1). One eye received tertiary DMEK.
In the management of persistent graft detachment and graft failure after primary DMEK, re-DMEK proved a feasible procedure. Acceptable BCVA may be achieved, albeit lower than after DMEK in virgin eyes, and some cases may benefit from contact lens fitting. Complications after re-DMEK may be better anticipated than after primary DMEK because graft detachment and graft failure tended to recur, suggesting that intrinsic properties of the host eye play a role in graft adherence and graft failure.
To describe Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) complications and strategies for their prevention and management.
Five hundred consecutive eyes with DMEK of 393 patients were reviewed ...in this retrospective study for intraoperative and postoperative complications up to 2 years and for corresponding management.
Intraoperative challenges (difficult graft unfolding/positioning, high vitreous pressure, iris root hemorrhage, and Descemet membrane remnants) were encountered in 81 eyes (16.2%). Visually significant graft detachment was the main postoperative complication (34 eyes, 6.8%). Graft failure occurred in 8 eyes (1.6%). Other postoperative complications were an increase of intraocular pressure/decompensated glaucoma in 48 eyes (9.6%), significant cataract in 11 of 124 phakic eyes (8.9%), allograft rejection in 7 eyes (1.4%), cystoid macular edema in 5 eyes (1.0%), microbial keratitis in 2 eyes (0.4%), and retinal detachment in 1 eye (0.2%). Different strategies for prevention and management of these complications have been identified.
DMEK shows acceptable rates of complications up to 2 years after surgery, which can be managed successfully. Anticipation of potential challenges and difficulties may aid in modifying intraoperative strategies for predisposed eyes. This knowledge may further minimize complications, in particular, when performing DMEK for an extended spectrum of corneal endothelial disorders.
To analyze 6-month results of 1000 consecutive Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) cases, and to evaluate if outcomes are influenced by surgical indication and preoperative lens status.
...Retrospective, interventional case series.
A series of 1000 eyes (738 patients) underwent DMEK mainly for Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD; 85.3%) or bullous keratopathy (BK; 10.5%). Main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), endothelial cell density, postoperative complications, and retransplantations.
At 6 months after DMEK, there was no difference in BCVA outcome between FECD and BK eyes (P = .170), or between phakic and pseudophakic FECD eyes (P = .066) after correcting for patient age and preoperative BCVA. Endothelial cell loss at 6 months postoperatively was similar for phakic and pseudophakic FECD eyes (39%; P = .852), but higher for BK eyes than for FECD eyes (46% vs 39%, P = .001). Primary and secondary graft failure occurred in 3 (0.3%) and 2 eyes (0.2%), respectively, and 7 eyes developed allograft rejection (0.7%). Eighty-two eyes (8.2%) received rebubbling for graft detachment and retransplantation was performed in 20 eyes (2.0%). Rebubbling was more often required in eyes treated for BK vs FECD eyes (12.4% vs 7.4%, P = .022).
DMEK consistently provides excellent short-term results, with similar high visual acuity levels for both FECD and BK eyes. As preoperative lens status did not influence DMEK outcomes, for phakic FECD eyes with a still relatively clear crystalline lens, lens preservation may be preferable in a selected group of younger patients, who may still benefit from their residual accommodative capacity.
To monitor refractive changes after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and to determine what may influence these changes and the time point of stabilization.
From 67 pseudophakic DMEK ...eyes operated on for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy at a tertiary referral center, biomicroscopy, visual acuity, subjective refraction, and Scheimpflug-based corneal tomography data were obtained before and up to 2 years postoperatively. Visual acuity and changes in spherical equivalent (SE), mean anterior and posterior simulated keratometry (Km), and central pachymetry were analyzed.
At 3 months postoperatively, both hyperopic (28/67 eyes) and myopic (21/67 eyes) shifts were observed; 18/67 eyes showed no SE change. The mean change in SE at 3 months was +0.33 diopters (D) (95% confidence interval = 0.11, 0.54, P = 0.028), which stabilized thereafter (P > 0.466). Initial flattening of mean anterior Km by 0.66D (95% confidence interval = -0.81, -0.51, P < 0.001) at 3 months was followed by a slow steepening, which became significant between 1 and 2 years postoperatively (P < 0.001). Posterior Km stabilized after 3 months (P > 0.252). Preoperative to 3 months postoperative absolute changes in anterior Km were positively related to preoperative backscattered light from the central anterior cornea (P = 0.035), and the presence of partial graft detachment postoperatively (P = 0.013).
After DMEK, SE and posterior corneal curvature were on average stable at 3 months after surgery, whereas the mean anterior corneal curvature showed an ongoing gradual change. Changes in anterior corneal curvature may be related to preoperative anterior corneal densitometry or postoperative partial graft detachment.
To report the mid-term outcomes of hemi-Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (hemi-DMEK) performed for Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD).
In this prospective, interventional case ...series, we evaluated clinical outcomes of 10 eyes from 10 patients who underwent hemi-DMEK for FECD. Main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), endothelial cell density (ECD), central pachymetry, and postoperative complications.
At 1 year postoperatively, 7/7 eyes (excluding 2 eyes with low visual potential) reached a BCVA of ≥20/40 (≥0.5), 6/7 (86%) ≥20/25 (≥0.8), 4/7 (57%) ≥20/20 (≥1.0), and 2/7 (29%) 20/17 (≥1.2). BCVA remained stable until 2 years postoperatively (P ≥ 0.05) and further improved thereafter (P < 0.05). Mean ECD decreased from 2740 (±180) cells/mm preoperatively to 850 (±300) cells/mm (n = 9) at 1 year (P ≤ 0.05) and showed an annual decrease of on average 6% to 7% thereafter (P ≥ 0.05 between consecutive follow-ups). Pachymetry decreased from preoperatively 745 (±153) μm to 533 (±63) μm (n = 9) and 527 (±35) μm (n = 8) at 1 and 3 years postoperatively, respectively. Within the first 6 postoperative months, 4/10 eyes underwent rebubbling for visually significant graft detachment. One eye received secondary circular DMEK for persistent graft detachment 1 month postoperatively; another eye developed secondary graft failure 2.5 years postoperatively, and 1 eye was suspected for an allograft reaction 1.5 years postoperatively.
Hemi-DMEK may render visual outcomes comparable to those achieved by conventional DMEK. Despite low ECD counts by 6 months, ECD levels remain fairly stable thereafter. Hence, hemi-DMEK may become a potential alternative technique for treatment of FECD while increasing the yield of the endothelial tissue pool.
Purpose To report early, specific changes in donor endothelial cell morphology as a predictor of an upcoming allograft rejection after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). Design ...Retrospective, observational case series. Methods Out of a cohort of 500 eyes that underwent DMEK at a tertiary referral center, 7 eyes developed typical clinical signs of an allograft rejection. Specular microscopy images before, during, and after the rejection episode were analyzed and compared with a case-control group of 49 asymptomatic DMEK eyes that matched baseline characteristics of the rejection group. Endothelial cell morphology was evaluated by subjective scoring (range 1–5) in a masked fashion as well as by an objective comparison of endothelial cell density, cell size, coefficient of variation, and hexagonality in rejection vs control eyes. Results Subjective scores (median) were higher before and after rejection (2.5 and 5, respectively) than in the DMEK control group (2.0 and 2.5, respectively) at comparable time points ( P = .0230 and P = .0005, respectively). Endothelial cell density also differed before ( P = .0106) and after rejection ( P = .0240), while hexagonality differed before ( P = .0499) but not after rejection ( P = .1767). Conclusion Our study suggests that allograft rejection may not be an acute event, but rather a slow-onset immune response. Early, specific changes in endothelial cell morphology were found to “announce” an upcoming allograft rejection. If so, monitoring donor endothelium after DMEK or other forms of keratoplasty may be used to anticipate a rejection episode and/or to prevent an allograft rejection from clinically manifesting itself.
