Glaucoma drainage device implantation and cyclophotocoagulation in the management of refractory glaucoma after Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty

AIM:To compare the surgical outcomes of glaucoma drainage device implantation(GDI)and trans-scleral neodymium:YAG cyclophotocoagulation(CPC)in the management of refractory glaucoma after Descemetstripping automated endothelial keratoplasty(DSAEK).METHODS:This retrospective study on observational case series enrolled 29 patients who underwent DSAEK and posterior anti-glaucoma surgery(15 with GDI and 14 with CPC).The main outcome measures were intraocular pressure(IOP),glaucoma surgery success rate(defined as IOP of 6–21 mm Hg without additional anti-glaucoma operation),number of glaucoma medications,endothelial graft status,and best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA).RESULTS:The mean follow-up time was 34.1 and 21.0mo for DSAEK or glaucoma surgeries,both for the GDI and CPC groups.Both groups showed significant IOP reduction after glaucoma surgery.The GDI group presented a significantly higher success rate in IOP control than the CPC group(60%vs 21.4%,P=0.03).Both procedures significantly decreased the number of glaucoma medications(P=0.03).Forty percent and 57%of cases in the GDI and the CPC group,respectively,experienced endothelial graft failure during follow-up(P=0.36).Significantly worse BCVA after surgery was observed in the CPC group but not in the GDI group.CONCLUSION:Both GDI and CPC significantly decrease IOP in eyes with glaucoma after DSAEK.GDI is preferable to CPC in refractory glaucoma cases after DSAEK,as it manifests a significantly higher success rate for IOP control,similar endothelial graft failure rate,and relatively preserves BCVA than CPC.

Clinical results of non-Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty

AIM： To investigate the impact of non-Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty（non-DSEK） on graft rejection rate,and its overall procedural effectiveness in patients.METHODS： Non-DSEK was performed on 65 eyes of 64 patients,and the procedural outcomes,including rejection episodes,failure and dislocation of the grafts,best corrected visual acuity（BCVA）,endothelial cell density（ECD）,and other complications,were analyzed retrospectively.RESULTS： Of the 65 eyes,63 recovered from bullous keratopathy with a clear cornea.The mean follow-up time was 26.4mo（range,6-84mo）.The mean BCVA improved from 1.70 log MAR preoperatively to 0.54 log MAR at 3mo,0.46 logM AR at 6mo,and 0.37 logM AR at 1y after surgery.The postoperative donor ECD of the 25 patients who successfully underwent specular microscopic examination was 1918±534 cells/mm^2（range,637 to 3056 cells/mm^2）,and the mean endothelial cell loss was 41.9% at 24 mo postoperatively.One eye developed secondary glaucoma and required regrafting via penetrating keratoplasty（PKP）.Another eye had postoperative graft failure due to rejection at 26 mo.Postoperative graft dislocation occurred in eight eyes.All of the eight dislocated grafts were reattached using air reinjection.CONCLUSION： Immunological graft rejection of the donor graft rarely occurs in non-DSEK.Therefore,non-DSEK is a safe,concise,and effective alternative to restore corneal decompensation when the Descemet membrane is disease-free.

Visual acuity and endothelial cell density with respect to the graft thickness in Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty: one year results

AIM: To evaluate the visual acuity and endothelial cell density according to the thickness in Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty(DSAEK)one year after surgery.METHODS: DSAEK patients’ data were reviewed. Thirty seven eyes of 37 patients who underwent DSAEK for pseudophakic bullous keratopathy(PBK) were included in this study. Graft thickness was measured with optical coherence tomography(OCT) 12 mo after DSAEK. Eyes were divided into 3 groups based on the graft thickness:thick(】200 μm), medium-thick(150-200 μm) and thin(【150 μm). Best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),endothelial cells density(ECD) and complications were assessed and comparisons were done between groups.RESULTS: Median thickness of postoperative grafts was 188(range 73-317 μm). There was no significant difference in age, sex, preoperative BCVA, or follow-up period between DSAEK groups. At postoperative 12 mo,mean BCVA was 0.28±0.10 in thick graft group, 0.52±0.08 in medium-thick graft group, and 0.72 ±0.06 in thin graft group. Thin grafts showed better postoperative BCVA as compared with the medium-thick and thick grafts(P =0.001). Thick graft group had 1637.44 ±88.19-mm2,medium thick graft had 1764.50±34.28-mm2 and thin graft group had 1845.30 ±65.62-mm2. Thin graft group had better ECD at 12 mo after surgery(P =0.001).CONCLUSION: Thin grafts after DSAEK ensure better visual rehabilitation. Eyes with thin grafts had significantly lesser loss of ECD compared to eyes withmedium-thick and thick grafts one year after surgery.

Descemet-membrane endothelial keratoplasty in patients with retinal comorbidity -a prospective cohort study

AIM： To investigate indications, surgical challenges, and outcome of Descemet -membrane endothelial keratoplasty （DMEK） in patients with retinal comorbidities （RC）. METHODS： In a prospective cohort study, 8 eyes of 8 DMEK-patients with known RC were compared to 38 eyes of 38 DMEK-patients without RC. The duration of surgery, the degree of difficulty graded by the surgeon, and the complications through DMEK-surgery were analyzed for each patient. The best-corrected visual acuity （BCVA）, the endothelial cell count, the intraocular pressure, and the subjective satisfaction was evaluated after a 6-month follow-up. Data were compared applying the non-parametric Wilcoxon-, Chi-square- and Fisher＇s-exact-test with P≤ 0. 05 as level of significance. RESULTS： RC-patients had dry age-related macular degeneration （n=4） or history of pars-plana vitrectomy （n=4）. The main indication for DMEK was pain due to bullous keratopathy for the RC-patlents （n=7, 88%） and visual impairment due to Fuchs endothelial keratoplasty for the non-RC-patients （n=33, 87% ）. The BCVA increased for both groups （P=0.01, P〈0.001） and all corneas cleared. For the RC-patients, the subjective satisfaction improved significantly （P=0.02）. Oil-filling and missing support of the vitreous body complicated surgery in vitrectomized eyes. CONCLUSION： DMEK is a favorable technique to treat endothelial disorders even if patients suffer from a retinal comorbidity. By enhancing the corneal clarity, it enables retinal examination or intraocular surgery and increases the patients satisfaction. However, in vitrectomized or silicone-oil filled eyes, the duration of surgery and degree of complexity are increased. An experienced surgeon should perform DMEK in these patients. Clinical trial registration number： DRKS00007566.

Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty in phakic eyes:incision modification reducing cataract formation

AIM： To evaluate the efficacy of a technical modification to reduce the incidence of traumatic cataract induced by Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty（DSAEK） performed in phakic eyes. METHODS： A retrospective cohort study. The records of all patients with a clear crystalline lens and endothelial failure that underwent modified DSAEK at our insitution were reviewed. In this modification, in order to avoid inadvertent touch of the insertion forceps against the exposed crystalline lens while passing across the anterior chamber, the incision sites were shifted from the standard 9 and 3 o＇clock positions, superiorly to the 10 and 2 o＇clock position respectively. Formation of typically traumatic, anterior subcapsular cataract in these patients was compared to that observed in a cohort including all the patients with a clear crystalline lens and endothelial failure that underwent conventional DSAEK at our institution.RESULTS： The study group included 49 eyes following modified DSAEK and the control group included 35 eyes following DSAEK with conventional incision sites. Anterior subcapsular cataract occurring 4 mo or less postoperatively was identified in 2 of 49（4%） eyes in the study group and 7 of 35（20%） eyes in the control group. The rates of traumatic cataract were significantly higher in the control group in comparison to the study group（P=0.03, RR=4.9, 95%CI 1.08-22.1）.CONCLUSION： Traumatic cataract formation following phakic DSAEK may be avoided with a simple modification to the position of the incision sites.

Complications and outcomes of descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty with artisan aphakia intraocular lens implantation

AIM： To evaluate the complications and outcomes of descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty（DSAEK） combined with artisan aphakia intraocular lens（IOL） implantation in severely damaged eyes without capsular support.METHODS： DSAEK combined with artisan iris claw IOL implantation was performed on 29 eyes. All eyes were of abnormal structure due to complications from prior intraocular surgeries and ocular trauma. Ocular complications observed included graft dislocations, high intraocular pressure（IOP）, IOL dislocations, macular edema and hyphema. Best corrected visual acuity（BCVA）, IOP and mean central endothelial cell density（ECD） were recorded.RESULTS： Thirteen eyes had a history of ocular trauma, 10 eyes had an anterior chamber IOL, 16 eyes had prior vitrectomy. The iris was abnormal in 22 cases. Graft dislocation occurred in 5（17.2%） of 29 eyes. IOL dislocation occurred in 2 eyes（6.9%）. High IOP was found in 9 eyes and was controlled with treatment. The preoperative mean BCVA was 20/286. The 6 mo postoperative mean BCVA was 20/42. The average center ECD was 1965.3 cells/mm^2 at 6 mo, and the rate of the donor cell loss was 34.7%.CONCLUSION： DSAEK combined with artisan aphakia IOL implantation is an alternative option for resolving endothelial and lens disorders in aphakic eyes without capsular support. However, it should be performed cautiously for eyes with severe iris defects.

Incidence of cystoid macular edema after Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty

AIM： To determine the incidence of cystoid macular edema（CME） after Descemet＇s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty（DSAEK）.METHODS： This study included all consecutive patients operated in a Spanish tertiary reference hospital over a period of four years. A total of 55 eyes from 47 patients matched the selection criteria. CME was diagnosed clinically at the slit-lamp and confirmed by optical coherence tomography. RESULTS： Six cases of CME were diagnosed postoperatively, which represented an incidence of 11%. Three patients had previously undergone DSAEK alone（7%; 3/41） and the other three, DSAEK combined with phacoemulsification（21%; 3/14）. Five out of six patients with CME responded to standard therapy.CONCLUSION： CME is a possible complication after DSAEK and can be treated with standard therapy. CME appears more frequently when DSAEK is combined with phacoemulsification and posterior chamber（PC） intraocular lens（IOL） implantation. Intraoperative damage to the corneal endothelial cells might play a role in the pathogenesis of CME. As long as the causes remain unclear, we recommend administering prophylaxis when risk factors are present or when combined surgery is planned.

Simultaneous tectonic Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty and tectonic Bowman layer transplant for the management of corneal perforation

AIM:To report the outcomes of three cases of corneal perforation managed with simultaneous tectonic Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty(t-DSEK)and tectonic Bowman layer transplant(t-BLT)as an alternative to tectonic penetrating keratoplasty(t-PKP).METHODS:Three eyes of three patients receiving simultaneous t-DSEK and t-BLT for corneal perforation were included.The technique for DSEK was modified depending on individual requirements.The t-BLT technique was standardised using an 8 mm graft and fixated with a running suture.Success was measured by the ability of this procedure to close a corneal perforation.RESULTS:All three cases achieved tectonic eye globe restoration and remained stable during the minimum 3-month observation period.Reinterventions were relatively common:2 cases required amniotic membrane transplant for persistent epithelial defects.One case required DSEK rebubbling.One case developed angle closure glaucoma requiring surgical peripheral iridectomy.CONCLUSION:Simultaneous t-DSEK and t-BLT may be a useful strategy for the management of corneal perforation as an alternative management to t-PKP for selected cases.

Ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty versus Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty:a fellow-eye comparison

Background:To compare the visual outcome and patients’satisfaction after ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty(UT-DSAEK)and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty(DMEK)performed on fellow eyes of the same patients.Methods:In this retrospective study,the records of 18 pseudophakic patients affected by Fuchs endothelial dystrophy who underwent DMEK in one eye and UT-DSAEK in the fellow eye were reviewed.Best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),corneal pachymetry,keratometry,corneal aberrations,photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity,and endothelial cell counts measured 12 months after surgery in either eye were analyzed and compared.The results of a satisfaction questionnaire were also reviewed.Results:Twelve months after surgery,BCVA was not significantly different in UT-DSAEK and DMEK eyes(0.10±0.04 and 0.07±0.07 logMAR,respectively);at both 4-and 6 mm optical zones total and posterior corneal higher order aberrations(HOAs),posterior astigmatism and total coma were significantly lower after DMEK;BCVA in both groups was significantly correlated mainly with anterior corneal aberrations;contrast sensitivity was higher after DMEK especially in mesopic conditions and at medium spatial frequencies;the endothelial cell density was similar,although slightly higher in the UT-DSAEK group(p=0.10).The satisfaction questionnaire showed that although patients were highly satisfied from both procedures,more than half of them preferred DMEK and reported a more comfortable and quicker postoperative recovery.Conclusions:DMEK and UT-DSAEK showed no evidence of difference in terms of postoperative BCVA,although DMEK had a better performance in terms of contrast sensitivity,posterior corneal aberrations and overall patient satisfaction.

Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss in Femtosecond Laser-assisted Descemet＇s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty： A 12-month Follow-up Study

Background：Descemet＇s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty （DSAEK） surgery offers a more standardized approach and reliable method to create corneal grafts with an instrument such as a microkeratome.With the development of Descemet＇s membrane endothelial keratoplasty,an excellent clinical outcome is seen in the treatment of corneal endothelial dysfunctions,which indicates that thinner corneal graft results in better clinical outcome.With the recent development of the femtosecond laser,ultrathin corneal graft preparation has become possible.This study aimed to report corneal graft endothelial cell loss （ECL） in a large series of cases undergoing DSAEK with femtosecond laser-assisted corneal graft preparation within a 12-month period.Methods：This study was designed as a prospective,noncomparative,interventional case series.Totally 126 consecutive eyes with endothelial failure of 120 patients,who had corneal endothelial decompensation and underwent femtosecond-assisted DSAEK using the VisuMax femtosecond laser system,were included in the study.Central endothelial cell density （ECD） was recorded postoperatively at 2 weeks （n =126）,1 month （n =126）,3 months （n =110）,6 months （n =101）,and 12 months （n =71） and then compared with the preoperative eye bank measurements.Pre-and postoperative central ECDs were evaluated using Heidelberg retina tomography-Ⅲ confocal microscopy.ECL was calculated for each postoperative time point.Graft thickness was examined using anterior segment-optical coherence tomography.Results：Mean preoperative cell count was 3383 ± 350 cells/mm^2.Mean postoperative cell counts were 2382 ± 707 cells/mm^2,2179 ± 685 cells/mm^2,2074 ± 688 cells/mm^2,1884 ± 662 cells/mm^2,and 1723 ± 624 cells/mm^2 at 2 weeks,1,3,6,and 12 months,respectively;these represented the ECL of 29.7 ± 19.7%,35.4 ± 19.5%,38.6 ± 19.8%,44.3 ± 18.9%,and 48.9 ± 18.4% at the each corresponding time point.The mean corneal graft thickness after surgery was 142 ± 48 μm,118 ± 41 μm,108 ± 37 μm,100 ± 32 μm,and 99 ± 32 μm at each corresponding study visit,respectively.There was no correlation between corneal graft thickness and corneal ECL （R =0.039）.Conclusions：Corneal ECL remained relatively stable up to 12 months after femtosecond laser-assisted ultrathin DSAEK in a large case series.No correlation between cell loss and corneal graft thickness was found,which indicated that corneal graft preparation by the femtosecond laser was safe.ECL was faster within the first 6 months and relatively stable thereafter.

Long-term outcomes of endothelial keratoplasty in Chinese eyes at a University Hospital

Background:Endothelial keratoplasty(EK)is used increasingly for the management of cases with endothelial dysfunction.Long-term outcomes of the surgery are not widely reported in the literature.We report our experience of EK in Chinese eyes at a University teaching hospital.Methods:Retrospective analysis was performed for all cases of EK performed between 2005 and 2009.Data analyzed included indication for surgery,associated surgical procedures,complications,best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA)and overall graft survival.Results:Overall,22 eyes of 21 patients underwent EK(13 males,8 females,mean age 71.8±11.3 years).Pseudophakic bullous keratopathy was the leading indication for surgery(n=12)followed by Fuchs’endothelial dystrophy(n=4),or both(n=3).Other indications for surgery included failed penetrating keratoplasty(n=2)and endothelial decompensation due to multiple surgeries(n=1).Triple procedure was performed in 5(22.7%)cases.Complications were noted in the form of postoperative interface hemorrhage(n=2,9%)and graft dislocation(n=1,4.5%).The mean postoperative endothelial cell density was 1069±585.8 cells/mm2.The mean postoperative pachymetry was 675.8±108.5μm.The mean preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure was 11.3±3.2 and 13.9±4.5 mmHg respectively.At the last follow-up(mean,47.4±13.7 months),BCVA was≥20/70 in 9(40.9%)cases.Causes of poor BCVA included primary graft failure(n=4),graft decompensation(n=4),advanced glaucoma(n=2)and irreversible graft rejection(n=2).Graft remained clear in 12(54.5%)cases at the last follow-up.Average graft survival was 19.7±17.7 months(median 17.5 months).Conclusions:Nearly half of the EK grafts in our study survived over a period of five years.Graft failure,glaucoma and graft rejection were the main causes of poor graft survival.

A 5-year analysis of endothelial vs penetrating keratoplasty graft survival in Chinese patients

AIM:To determine if there is any difference in longterm graft survival between Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty(DSEK)and penetrating keratoplasty(PK).METHODS:A retrospective 5-year cases analysis of bullous keratopathy secondary to Fuchs’endothelial dystrophy or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy,receiving either DSEK or PK.A total of 42 DSEK cases and 25 PK cases were included in the analysis.RESULTS:In the 5-year analysis,graft survival rates were very similar in the two groups(DSEK 77.1%vs PK76.0%.P=0.918.95%CI:-6.3 to 33.4).Sub-analyses at 1y(DSEK 81%vs PK 95%.P=0.085.95%CI:-29 to 3.6)and 2y(DSEK 81%vs PK 88%.P=0.381.95%CI:-25.9 to 11.8)show a trend towards lower survival rates of DSEK vs PK,but the results were not statistically significant.CONCLUSION:Longterm 5-year graft survival is similar between the DSEK and PK methods of corneal transplant in Chinese patients with bullous keratopathy.

Indications for and techniques of keratoplasty at Vietnam National Institute of Ophthalmology

AIM： To report the indications for and techniques of corneal transplantation at Vietnam National Institute of Ophthalmology （VNIO） over a period of 12y （2002-2013）, METHODS： Records of patients who had undergone corneal transplantation at VNIO from January 1, 2002 to January 1, 2014 were reviewed to determine the indication for and type of corneal transplant performed. Patient age, gender, indication for corneal transplantation and surgical technique were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS： Corneal transplantation were underwent in 1390 eyes of 1278 patients with a mean age of 44.9±18.1y during the period under review. The most common indication was infectious corneal ulcer （n=670; 48.2%）, followed by corneal scar （n=333, 24.0% ）, corneal dystrophy （n=138, 9.9%） and failed graft （n=112, 8.1%）. Nearly all procedures performed were penetrating keratoplasty （n=1300, 93.5% ）, with a few lamellar keratoplasty procedures performed： lamellar keratoplasty （n=52, 3.7%）, Descemet＇s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty （n =27, 1.9% ） and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty （n =11, 0.8%）.CONCLUSION： While the most common indication for keratoplasty was infectious keratitis, nearly all indications for corneal transplantation were managed with penetrating keratoplasty, However, lamellar keratoplasty techniques, including deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and Descemet＇s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty, are being performed with increasing frequency for isolated stromal and endothelial disorders, respectively,

Effect of the position of the corneal lamella on the frequency of its detachment

AIM:To determine the influence of gaps[places where neither the donor's nor the recipient's Descemet's membrane(DM)is present]and overlaps(places where the recipient's DM is covered by the donor's DM)on the frequency of postoperative detachment of DM endothelial keratoplasty(DMEK)lamellae.METHODS:Totally 64 eyes of 64 patients with Fuchs'endothelial dystrophy or bullous keratopathy indicated for DMEK were randomly divided in two groups.The diameter of the implanted DMEK lamella was the same in both groups(8 mm),but we changed the diameter of the removed recipient DM.In the first group(32 eyes),the circular area was approximately 8.5 mm(gaps);in the second group(32 eyes),the diameter was 7.5 mm(overlaps).Postoperatively we noted all cases of detachment visible on the slit lamp and these cases we indicated for rebubbling.We also measured the uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA)as well as corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA)in decimal and postoperative endothelial cell density(ECD).The minimum follow-up time was 6mo.RESULTS:The number of rebubbling procedures in the entire group of patients was 13,i.e.,20.3%,with 6 eyes(18.7%)in the gap group,and 7 eyes(21.9%)in the overlap group.Lamella replacement(re-DMEK)was required in 3(gap group)and 2 patients(overlap group),respectively.The dif ference between the groups was statistically insignificant.The UDVA was 0.54±0.21 in the gap group and 0.58±0.24 in the overlap group.The CDVA was 0.74±0.22 and 0.80±0.16,respectively.ECD was 1920±491 and 2149±570 cells/mm2.The small differences between both groups were not statistically significant.CONCLUSION:We do not notice any difference in the group of patients with overlaps or gaps of DM.The presence of small areas of gaps or overlaps does not affect the frequency of detachment of the DMEK lamellae.

The evolution of corneal and refractive surgery with the femtosecond laser

The use of femtosecond lasers has created an evolution in modern corneal and refractive surgery.With accuracy,safety,and repeatability,eye surgeons can utilize the femtosecond laser in almost all anterior refractive procedures;laser in situ keratomileusis(LASIK),small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE),penetrating keratoplasty(PKP),insertion of intracorneal ring segments,anterior and posterior lamellar keratoplasty(Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty(DALK)and Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty(DSEK)),insertion of corneal inlays and cataract surgery.As the technology matures,it will push surgical limits and open new avenues for ophthalmic intervention in areas not yet explored.As we witness the transition from femto-LASIK to femto-cataract surgery it becomes obvious that this innovation is here to stay.This article presents some of the most relevant advances of femtosecond lasers to modern corneal and refractive surgery.