Descemet stripping with endothelial keratoplasty for treatment of iridocorneal endothelial syndrome

PURPOSE: To describe use of Descemet stripping with endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) to treat corneal edema associated with iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome. METHODS: In this retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series, the corneal endothelium was selectively replaced by the DSEK technique in eyes with ICE syndrome. Three eyes were treated at 1 center between June 2005 and July 2006. Descemet membrane and endothelium were stripped from the recipient and an 8- or 8.5-mm-diameter donor button consisting of posterior stroma and healthy endothelium was folded and implanted through a 5-mm incision. An air bubble was used to press the donor tissue against the recipient cornea, allowing it to attach without sutures. In 1 case with extensive peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS), after the PAS were broken, the anterior chamber was shallow, so a temporary anchor suture was placed in the peripheral edge of the donor tissue to help ensure that it would unfold in the correct orientation. RESULTS: DSEK successfully resolved corneal edema in 3 male patients with unilateral ICE syndrome who were 47 to 67 years of age. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 14 months. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity at the most recent visit was 20/20 to 20/30, with a mean refractive cylinder of 1.2 D. CONCLUSIONS: Selective replacement of dysfunctional endothelium with DSEK can successfully treat corneal edema and associated visual loss and pain caused by ICE syndrome. Visual recovery is rapid and refractive changes are minimal compared with replacement of the full corneal thickness with a traditional penetrating keratoplasty.     

利用后弹力层撕除术建立兔眼角膜内皮失代偿模型的评估

目的利用后弹力层撕除术建立一种新的角膜内皮失代偿模型以便更好地了解该手术的组织反应。方法根据手术方法的不同将40只新西兰成年兔平均分为4组：角膜内皮刮除组、后弹力层撕除组、后弹力层撕除角膜内皮移植术（DSEK）组及DSEK供体组;右眼为手术眼。每组定期通过角膜内皮活体染色,眼前节照相和UBM至少观察2个月。结果后弹力层撕除组角膜始终保持混浊,角膜内皮刮除组和DSEK组角膜逐渐透明,角膜厚度逐渐降低。活体染色显示角膜后弹力层撕除组术后2个月仍无角膜内皮生长。结论后弹力层撕除术建立的角膜内皮失代偿模型显示了后弹力层撕除后角膜内皮愈合过程,可用于角膜内皮移植的研究。     

Atypical variant of Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy mimicking iridocorneal endothelial syndrome: A case report

To report an unusual presentation of Fuch''s endothelial dystrophy (FED) and its management. A 53-year-old male patient presented with unilateral progressive painless diminution of vision. Best-corrected visual acuity of the right and left eyes were 20/20 and 20/400, respectively. Slit lamp examination of the right eye was unremarkable, on left eye examination there was corneal edema, shallow anterior chamber, areas of 360 degrees iridocorneal touch with few synechiae on gonioscopy and age-related nuclear sclerosis. Pachymetry and specular microscopy imaging were performed before and after the surgical procedure. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) was performed preoperatively to rule out the presence of any angle anomalies. Combined procedure of Phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation and Descemet''s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) with peripheral iridectomy were performed. At 6-weeks follow-up, best-corrected visual acuity improved from 20/400 to 20/20. Slit lamp examination of the left eye showed clear DMEK graft with patent inferior peripheral iridectomy. Specular microscopy showed a cell count of 1761 cells/mm². In a patient presenting with unilateral corneal edema, shallow anterior chamber depth, and iridocorneal adhesions, one needs to rule out the diagnosis of atypical variant of FED.     

Outcomes of endothelial keratoplasty with descemetorhexis (DSEK)

PURPOSE: Analysis of morphologic and functional outcomes of endothelial keratoplasty with descemetorhexis technique for recipient Descemet's membrane removal (DSEK). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed patients treated for chronic endothelial dysfunction with DSEK technique. For the study 12 patients (12 eyes) with follow up at least 9 months, were qualified. Study group consisted of 9 women and 3 men, in age from 53 to 83 years, mean 72.9 +/- 7.82 years. All surgery were performed by one surgeon (EW). Anterior chamber was opened through 5 mm wide and 3 mm long sclero-corneal tunnel. Before descemetorhexis incision points on the endothelial side of cornea were done with radio-frequency diathermy. Descemet's membrane stripping was done with the forceps. Endothelial grafts were fixed with anterior chamber by air tamponade. We analyzed postoperative visual acuity (on Snellen's charts), corneal transparency, endothelial cell density, total central corneal thickness and endothelial button (with OCT Visante), and complications of the surgery. RESULTS: 9 months postoperatively VA ranged from 0.1 to 0.5 (mean 0.28 +/- 0.15), BCVA ranged 0.1-0.9 (mean 0.43 +/- 0.30). Endothelial cell density ranged from 982 to 2781 cells per square millimeter (mean 1848.5 +/- 550.7). Total central corneal thickness ranged from 642 to 998 microm (mean 791.6 +/- 38.0 microm) before surgery and from 536 to 789 microm (mean 645 +/- 61.3 microm) 12 months postoperatively. Total central thickness of the endothelial graft 12 months postoperatively ranged from 42 to 163 microm (mean 89.1 +/- 38.2 microm). One penetrating keratoplasty was made for graft failure. Due to endothelial graft detachment or dislocation in anterior chamber, air tamponade was made in 5 cases with satisfactory final result. Only one case of the rejection was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) is safe and effective procedure in treatment of the endothelial cell dysfunction. Surgery supported by descemetorhrexis is easy and quick and results in smooth endothelial graft bed. The DSEK technique decreases surgery time and number of corneal graft dislocations.     

角膜内皮移植联合超声乳化白内障吸除及人工晶状体置换手术的疗效评价

目的 探讨角膜后弹力层剥除自动角膜刀取材内皮移植术(DSAEK)联合超声乳化白内障吸除及人工晶状体置换手术治疗角膜内皮失代偿并有白内障或人工晶状体异常患者的疗效和并发症情况.方法 回顾性临床自身对照研究.对2007年12月至2008年12月在北京大学第三医院就诊的各种原因引起的角膜内皮失代偿合并有晶状体异常的患者18例(20只眼)分别行DSAEK联合超声乳化白内障吸除人工晶状体植入手术5例(7只眼)、DSAEK联合前房型人工晶状体取出与前段玻璃体切除及后房型人工晶状体悬吊术7例(7只眼)或DSAEK联合前段玻璃体切除及后房型人工晶状体悬吊术6例(6只眼).术后观察视力、角膜透明性的恢复、植片厚度、角膜内皮细胞丢失、植片的脱位率及排斥反应发生情况.采用治疗前后均数比较t检验.结果 术后18例患者眼部刺激症状均消除,角膜水肿全部消退,术前和术后的角膜厚度分别为859μm、553 μm,差异有统计学意义(t=5.303,P＜0.01);术前供体角膜内皮细胞密度为2987个/mm2,术后3个月角膜内皮细胞密度为1803个/mm2,内皮细胞丢失率为41%.术后除去患有眼底病变的患者9只眼,其余患者视力均有大幅度的提高,视力恢复到0.8以上的有6只眼,在眼底正常的患者中占55%(6/11).术后前房人工晶状体眼炎症反应最重,其余患者反应轻微;术后有6只眼植片脱位(30%,6/20)、术后5例出现眼压升高、1例发生植片排斥反应,均为前房人工晶状体眼的患者.结论 DSAEK联合超声乳化白内障吸除及人工晶状体置换手术对于治疗角膜内皮失代偿并有晶状体或人工晶状体异常患者是一种较安全、有效的手术方法.前房人工晶状体眼行DSAEK术后并发症较多,对虬膜、房角结构异常的患者行角膜内皮移植手术应谨慎.

Abstract：

Objective To evaluate the effect and explore the complications of Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) combined with phacoemulcification cataract surgery or lens exchange in corneal endothelial dysftnction eyes with lens disorders. Methods Retrospective case series.Eighteen consecutive cases (20 eyes) were performed DSAEK combined with lens surgery from December 2007 to December 2008 in Department of Ophthalmology, Peking University Third Hospital. Five cases (7 eyes) were performed DSAEK combined with phacoemulcification and intraocular lens (IOL) insertion.Seven cases were combined with anterior chamber IOL extraction, anterior vitrectomy and posterior chamber IOL insertion. Six aphakia cases were performed with DSAEK combined with anterior vitrectomy and sclera fixation posterior chamber IOL insertion. Postoperatively, the visual acuity, corneal transparency, central corneal thickness (CCT), endothelial cell density (ECD) and complications were observed during the follow-up. Results The irritation was disappeared in all of patients. All of the corneas became transparent.The preoperative and postoperative mean CCT of the recipient beds was 859 μm and 553 μm respectively. T value was 5.303 ( t = 5.303, P ＜ 0.01 ). It was extremely significant difference. The mean ECD of the donors was 2987 cells/mm2. The ECD was 1803 cells/mm2 in three months postoperatively. The rate of endothelial cells loss was 41%. The visual acuity improved significantly except 9 eyes which had fundus disorders. Six eyes were better than 0.8. It was 55% in normal retinal function patients (6/11). The inflammatory reaction of the anterior chamber IOL eyes was most serious. Six eyes underwent graft dislocation. Five cases underwent high intraocular pressure. One case occurred graft rejection.These complications occurred in anterior chamber IOL eyes. Conclusions DSAEK combined with phacoemulcification cataract surgery or lens exchange is a safe and effective surgical treatment for corneal endothelial dysfunction with lens disorders. More complications occur in anterior chamber IOL eyes. DSAEK should be cautiously chosen in abnormal iris and chamber angle structural eyes.     

Simultaneous bilensectomy and endothelial keratoplasty for angle-supported phakic intraocular lens-induced corneal decompensation

A 40-year-old lady presented with severe endothelial cell loss in both eyes 14 years after angle-supported phakic intraocular lens (AS PIOL) implantation. The left eye had severe corneal edema with bullous keratopathy. The right eye had markedly reduced endothelial cell count (655 cells/mm 2 ) although the cornea was clear. She underwent simultaneous bilensectomy (AS PIOL explantation and phacoemulsification) and Descemet's stripping and endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) in the left eye. Explanted AS PIOL was identified as ZSAL-4 (Morcher, Stuttgart, Germany) model. Corneal edema cleared completely in 2 months with a best corrected visual acuity (-2.25 D sph) of 20/60. No intervention was done in the right eye. The present case illustrates that AS PIOL-induced endothelial decompensation can be effectively managed by simultaneous bilensectomy and endothelial keratoplasty.     

虹膜角膜内皮综合征12例的临床观察和分析

目的：分析虹膜角膜内皮综合征( iridocorneal endothelial syndrome,ICE综合征)的临床特点及发病机制,探讨其治疗及预后。
　　方法：选择2007-06/2015-02在第三军医大学附属西南医院住院治疗的12例12眼ICE综合征患者,其中原发性进行性虹膜萎缩7眼,Chandler综合征3眼,Congan-Reese综合征2眼。对所有患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析及随访。
　　结果：所有患者中,8眼行一次或多次滤过手术,4眼仅行青光眼阀门植入术。术后随访时间为15mo ~5a,平均30mo。12眼患者中,4眼抗青光眼术后眼压升高的时间为3~16(平均10)mo,远期观察眼压控制不佳。
　　结论：ICE综合征是一组临床上比较少见的严重眼病,其基本病变为角膜内皮层存在的ICE细胞过度增生导致房角粘连、虹膜萎缩及继发性青光眼等,目前青光眼滤过手术及青光眼阀门植入术只能在术后早期控制眼压,但远期效果不佳。     

Descemet stripping and endothelial keratoplasty in endothelial dysfunctions: three-month results in 75 eyes

Purpose: To analyze the results of Descemet stripping and endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) in the first consecutive 75 cases. Materials and Methods: Prospective, non-randomized, non-comparative interventional case series. Seventy-five eyes of 75 patients with endothelial dysfunctions of different etiology, scheduled for DSEK, were included in this study. Healthy donor cornea with a cell count of> 2000 cells/sq mm was considered for transplantation in each case. Indications, operative problems and postoperative complications were noted. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refractive and keratometric astigmatism, central corneal thickness (CCT) and endothelial cell density (ECD) were analyzed for each patient after a minimum follow-up of three months. Results: Main indication was pseudophakic corneal edema and bullous keratopathy in 53 (70.7%) eyes. Seventeen (22.7%) cases had moderate to severe Fuchs' dystrophy with various grades of cataract; and DSEK was combined with manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) with posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) in those cases. After three months, BCVA was 20/60 or better in 62 (82.7%) cases. Mean refractive and keratometric astigmatism were 1.10 +/- 0.55 diopter cylinder (DCyl) and 1.24 +/- 0.92 DCyl. The CCT and ECD were 670.8 +/- 0.32 microm and 1485.6 +/- 168.6/sq mm respectively. The mean endothelial cell loss after three months was 26.8 +/- 4.24% (range: 13.3-38.4%). Dislocation of donor lenticule occurred in six (8.0%) eyes. Graft failure occurred in one case. Conclusions: Descemet stripping and endothelial keratoplasty is a safe and effective procedure in patients with endothelial dysfunctions with encouraging surgical and visual outcomes. It can be safely combined with MSICS with PCIOL in patients with moderate to severe Fuchs' dystrophy with cataract.     

Iridocorneal endothelial syndrome and glaucoma

Iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome is a group of ocular conditions characterized by corneal proliferative endotheliopathy in which secondary corneal edema, peripheral anterior synechiae, and abnormalities of the iris stroma are the common features. The etiology remains unclear, but may be related to viral infection with Herpes simplex or Epstein-Barr virus. The pathogenesis of the ICE syndrome is believed to result from an abnormality of the corneal endothelial cells (causing corneal edema), with secondary spreading of the cells over the trabecular meshwork region (causing anterior synechiae and elevated intraocular pressure [IOP]) and across the surface of the iris (responsible for the formation of iris holes, pupillary distortion, and iris noduli). The disease complex, which includes essential iris atrophy, Chandler's syndrome, and iris nevus (Cogan-Reese) syndrome, is almost always unilateral, nonfamilial, and typically occurs in females during young adulthood. ICE syndrome is commonly progressive and frequently complicated by secondary glaucoma and corneal decompensation. In Chandler's syndrome, iris changes are less pronounced and corneal edema more frequent than in essential iris atrophy or Cogan-Reese syndrome. Glaucoma associated with ICE syndrome is often difficult to manage and is usually treated with medications and/or filtering surgery. Glaucoma filtering surgery is usually successful when done early, but may fail due to endothelialization of the fistula by the abnormal corneal endothelium.     

Reduced corneal swelling and deswelling response in the iridocorneal endothelial syndrome.

PURPOSE: Despite severe abnormalities of the corneal endothelium in the iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome, the cornea can remain clear and maintain its normal thickness for years before corneal decompensation occurs. The aim of this study is to analyze this discrepancy by studying corneal hydration control in the ICE syndrome. METHODS: In four subjects with unilateral ICE syndrome, without signs of corneal decompensation, a "corneal stress test" was performed in both the affected and the unaffected eye. The stress test measures the recovery of corneal thickness after swelling induced by wearing a soft contact lens with the eyes closed. Corneal thickness was measured by noncontact pachymetry. RESULTS: Mean baseline corneal thickness of affected eyes (535+/-56 microm) was not different from unaffected eyes (526+/-39 microm). On the other hand, the corneal stress test showed a smaller induced swelling in affected eyes (33+/-15 microm) compared with unaffected eyes (67+/-11 microm) and a slower recovery of corneal thickness in affected eyes. In one of four subjects, the cornea of the affected eye was calculated not yet to have recovered its original thickness before midnight. After this finding, although the cornea of this subject did not show any signs of clinical decompensation, the study was discontinued. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal hydration control is altered in the ICE syndrome. The ICE cornea can maintain its normal thickness despite severe morphologic abnormalities of the endothelium. Because we found that recovery of corneal thickness can be extremely slow, it cannot be guaranteed that such corneal "stress tests" are completely safe for subjects with the ICE syndrome, and we therefore feel that they should no longer be performed in these subjects.     

Clinical results of triple Descemet's stripping and automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK)

PurposeTo evaluate visual acuity (VA), refractive outcome, endothelial cell loss rate and complications of Descemet's stripping and automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) combined with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in patients with coexisting corneal endothelial dysfunction and cataracts.MethodsSeventeen patients underwent phacoemulsification and posterior chamber IOL implantationthrough temporal corneal incision, followed by DSAEK. The selection of IOL power was predicted by preoperative lens power calculations of fellow eye plus 0.5 to 1.0 diopters (D).ResultsThere were five cases of laser iridotomy induced corneal dysfunction, four cases of Fuch's dystrophy, three cases of cytomegalovirus (CMV) endotheliitis, three cases of iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome, one case of herpes simplex virus (HSV) endotheliitis, and one case with an unknown cause. The BSCVAs were all under 0.2 preoperatively, and the average BSCVA was 0.3 postoperatively. The postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) refractive error was ?0.11 D on an average. The endothelial cell loss rate was ?36.86% at 6 months and ?38.60% at 12 months. There was one case of graft rejection at 6 months, and one case of primary graft failure. Complications such as donor detachment, pupillary block, donor graft folds, epithelial ingrowth, or interface scar did not occur.ConclusionThis case series of DSAEK combined with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation suggests that the procedure provides rapid visual rehabilitation and allows the selection of an appropriate IOL.     

Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty: effect of the surgical procedure on corneal optics

PURPOSE: To determine the changes in corneal optical performance after posterior lamellar corneal transplantation. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: The anterior segment in four eyes of four patients who underwent Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) with cataract extraction and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were imaged with the Visante anterior segment optical coherence tomography [OCT] (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, California, USA). The curvature of the posterior surface of the donor graft was compared with that of the host cornea, and corneal thickness was measured. RESULTS: All eyes had a hyperopic refractive error after surgery. The posterior corneal curvature after surgery was more than that before surgery. Average preoperative keratometry was 43.4 diopters (D), and after surgery, it was 42.8 D using keratometry. However, when the postsurgical corneal power was calculated using the Gaussian optics method, the average value was 40.8 D. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of a donor corneal graft to the posterior surface of decompensated corneas may lessen the effective optical power of the cornea and may have implications for IOL power calculations in these eyes.     

角膜后弹力层剥除内皮移植术治疗大泡性角膜病变的初步疗效观察

目的 探讨角膜后弹力层剥除内皮移植手术的适应证、手术方法以及对大泡性角膜病变的疗效与并发症的处理.方法 非随机回顾性系列病例研究.选择2006年9月至2007年10月于中山大学中山眼科中心住院的8例(8只眼)大泡性角膜病变患者行角膜后弹力层剥除内皮移植术.术中剥除患眼角膜中央部直径7.75 mm的后弹力层和病变的内皮层,再将植床周边部基质表面刮粗糙,然后按常规角膜内皮移植术的方法植入内皮植片.术后观察植片与植床贴合和植片移位等情况.随访3～9个月,记录患者视力、植片透明度、角膜散光及内皮细胞密度.结果 8例患者术后植片与植床贴合良好,未出现植片移位.术后第1天,1例患者出现继发性闭角型青光眼,术后48 h后缓解.8例患者术后植片透明,术前存在眼痛的6例患者术后眼痛缓解.8例患者术后视力均提高,最好矫正视力为0.3～0.7,平均角膜散光度数为(1.90±0.70)D,平均内皮细胞密度为(2014±192)个/mm2.结论 与深板层角膜内皮移植术比较,角膜后弹力层剥除内皮移植术的操作较简单,对受体角膜和前房的创伤更小.术中将植床周边部基质表面刮粗糙,可有效预防术后植片移位.     

Cataract surgery after Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty

Management of endothelial dysfunction in phakic patients is sometimes a dilemma for corneal surgeons. Phakic patients with visually significant cataract and endothelial dysfunction are preferably managed by performing combined cataract surgery with endothelial keratoplasty. However, combined surgery may be deferred in eyes with early incipient cataract, younger age and where anterior chamber is poorly visualized. As cataract formation may be accelerated after endothelial keratoplasty, these eyes may need cataract surgery subsequently. Surgical intervention in eyes with endothelial keratoplasty is of concern as this may affect the graft adversely and threaten graft survival. In this report, we describe the intraoperative surgical details and postoperative clinical course of a patient who underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).     

Clinical and specular microscopic manifestations of iridocorneal endothelial syndrome

PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between the clinical pictures and the specular microscopic findings in patients with iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome. METHODS: The records of 15 patients with ICE syndrome who presented at the National Taiwan University Hospital between 1993 and 1996 were examined. The medical history, clinical pictures of the cornea, iris and anterior chamber angle, intraocular pressure, specular microscopic findings, and the correlation between clinical and specular microscopic findings were assessed. RESULTS: Endothelial changes in specular micrographs were found in all the patients, even in those patients with minimal angle involvement by peripheral anterior synechiae. Corneal decompensation resulting in corneal edema and bullae formation was the main cause of visual impairment. Neither ICE grading nor endothelial cell density correlated with corneal edema or intraocular pressure, but they correlated with the angle involvement in ICE syndrome. The intraocular pressure was difficult to control in 8 of these patients, even after treatment with anti-glaucoma agents and trabeculectomy, especially in the patients with Cogan-Reese syndrome. CONCLUSION: Although specular microscopy provides an invaluable method for the diagnosis of ICE syndrome, it is not a reliable tool for predicting prognosis. Close follow-up of intraocular pressure and early detection of glaucoma are important steps to preserve visual functions in patients with ICE syndrome.     

Management of pseudophakic bullous keratopathy by combined Descemet-stripping endothelial keratoplasty and intraocular lens exchange

PURPOSE: To evaluate visual recovery results in 11 patients with anterior pseudophakia and corneal endothelial dysfunction who had Descemet-stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) combined with anterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) removal and scleral fixation of a posterior chamber IOL. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, District Railway Hospital Katowice, Katowice, Poland. METHODS: Eleven consecutive patients had DSEK combined with IOL exchange. Corneal transparency, central corneal thickness (CCT), endothelial cell density (ECD), visual outcomes, and complication rates were measured during the follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 76 years. All corneas remained clear during the mean 19.3-month follow-up. At the last visit, the mean uncorrected visual acuity was 0.16 (range 0.001 to 0.50) and the mean best corrected visual acuity, 0.36 (range 0.001 to 0.80). The mean spherical equivalent was +0.30 diopter (D) (range -2.00 to +2.25 D) and the mean astigmatism, 2.20 D (range 1.25 to 3.00 D). Three eyes with endothelial disk detachment required reinjection of air. Corneal rejection was observed in 1 eye 3 months postoperatively. Two eyes had flap erosion over the fixation suture. The mean CCT was 0.837 microm preoperatively and 0.605 microm postoperatively. The mean ECD was 3198 cells/mm(2) in donor lenticules and 2048 cells/mm(2) at the last follow-up visit. Endothelial cell loss was 36%. CONCLUSION: Descemet-stripping endothelial keratoplasty combined with anterior chamber IOL replacement with a scleral-fixated posterior chamber IOL was a safe method for the management of pseudophakic bullous keratopathy.     

Corneal decompensation and graft failure secondary to a broken posterior chamber poly(methyl methacrylate) intraocular lens haptic

A 66-year-old man developed an unexplained corneal decompensation 7 years after extracapsular cataract extraction and implantation of a single-piece poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL). He had penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). Two years later, he developed corneal graft failure secondary to an IOL haptic fragment in the anterior chamber angle. The patient had a repeat corneal graft and IOL exchange. The broken haptic was examined with scanning electron microscopy. The findings were consistent with late fracture of the haptic within the capsular bag, which was presumably weakened by an improper implantation technique. Fracture of a PMMA haptic should be suspected as a cause of corneal decompensation and corneal graft failure after cataract surgery. This case emphasizes the importance of safe implantation techniques.     

Corneal grafts for endothelial decompensation: the influence of intraocular lenses on corneal graft survival

Re-examination of the fate of 136 corneal grafts for bullous keratopathy (secondary endothelial decompensation) revealed a decreased, but not significant, graft survival of those grafts compared to the total of 572 grafts in patients with a diagnosis other than bullous keratopathy, as well as a decreased graft survival when compared to the survival of the grafts for Fuchs dystrophy (primary endothelial decompensation). A statistically significant decreased graft survival (P = 0.015) was observed when corneal grafts performed in pseudophakic eyes with secondary endothelial decompensation were compared to those performed in aphakic eyes with secondary endothelial decompensation. An immunological explanation for this difference was not detected. The influence of an intraocular lens on corneal corneal graft survival was analyzed. Indications for removing or retaining the intraocular lens at the time of graft surgery are reported.     

Complete spontaneous crystalline lens dislocation into the anterior chamber with severe corneal endothelial cell loss

PURPOSE: To report an unusual case of a spontaneously dislocated crystalline lens into the anterior chamber that was successfully treated. METHODS: A generally healthy 49-year-old woman with no history of trauma presented with a spontaneously dislocated crystalline lens into the anterior chamber accompanied by corneal endothelial cell loss. The crystalline lens was extracted intracapsularly after gentle separation from the corneal endothelium by using a viscoelastic material. RESULTS: Visual acuity remained at 20/16 from 1 day postoperatively, with little endothelial cell loss compared with preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: A spontaneously dislocated crystalline lens into the anterior chamber with severe corneal endothelial cell loss was treated successfully by intracapsular extraction.     

Ultrasound biomicroscopy of Chinese eyes with iridocorneal endothelial syndrome

AIM: To document the ultrasound biomicroscopic (UBM) findings in Chinese patients with iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome. METHODS: 21 patients with ICE syndrome and 15 normal subjects underwent UBM. UBM findings of anterior segment were compared between normal subjects and three clinical types of ICE syndrome: progressive iris atrophy (PIA), Chandler's syndrome (CS), and Cogan-Reese syndrome (CRS). RESULTS: Central anterior chamber depth was significantly less in patients with ICE syndrome (2.25 (SD 0.32) mm) than in normal subjects (2.76 (0.32) mm). Peripheral anterior synechiae were observed in all the ICE patients by UBM. Three out of four CRS subjects showed an "arborised" shape of iridocorneal angle. Two eyes out of 10 with CS presented bridge-shaped synechiae. A membrane-like mound was observed in iridocorneal angle in two patients: one with CRS and one with CS. UBM was found to be more effective in detecting peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) and iris atrophy than slit lamp microscopy and gonioscopy, mainly because of corneal oedema in patients with CS. Four out of 11 patients with unilateral ICE syndrome had shallow or closed anterior chamber angles in their fellow eyes. Two of them successfully responded to laser peripheral iridotomy. CONCLUSIONS: UBM is an effective method to reveal the anterior segment features and provides a useful tool in the diagnosis of ICE syndrome. Different subtypes of ICE syndrome may have different UBM manifestations. UBM can help to identify angle closure in the fellow eye of unilateral ICE syndromes.