Big-bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for post-keratitis and post-traumatic corneal stromal scars

Background: Evaluation of outcomes of big‐bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in cases with post‐keratitis and post‐traumatic corneal scars. Design: Interventional case series. Participants: Patients with corneal stromal scarring secondary to healed infectious keratitis or trauma were recruited from the Corneal Clinic of the M. M. Joshi Eye Institute, Karnataka, India between August 2007 and December 2009. Methods: All patients underwent big‐bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty surgery. Main Outcome Measures: Best‐corrected visual acuity, as well as intra‐ and postoperative complications. Results: Big‐bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty was performed in 36 patients (25 males, 11 females) with post‐infectious keratitis (n = 22) and post‐traumatic (n = 14) corneal stromal scars sparing the Descemet's membrane and endothelium. Mean age was 39.7 ± 11.3 years (range: 22–58 years). Although a big bubble was achieved in all eyes (100%), intraoperative perforation of the Descemet's membrane occurred in six eyes (16%) during stromal dissection. Two cases required conversion to penetrating keratoplasty. A double anterior chamber occurred in the immediate postoperative period in three cases (8.3%). Raised intraocular pressure was seen in one eye. Mean preoperative best‐corrected visual acuity (0.03 ± 0.04) improved significantly at the end of 6 months follow‐up postoperatively (0.43 ± 0.20; P < 0.01, Wilcoxon signed‐ranks test). Corneal stromal graft rejection was noted in two cases (5.5%) during the first 3 months after surgery. Graft failure occurred in two cases (5.5%). Conclusions: Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty using the big‐bubble technique is a viable option in cases with post‐infectious keratitis and post‐traumatic corneal stromal scarring with normal Descemet's membrane and endothelium.     

Changing pattern of utilization of human donor cornea in India

Purpose:To review the changing pattern of donor, corneal utilization in an eye bank at a Tertiary Care Center in Northern India by analyzing the trend in the years 2003, 2008, and 2011.Methods:A retrospective review of eye bank records for 3 years (2003, 2008, and 2011) was performed at the National Eye Bank. Details including a clinical grade of donor cornea, indication of corneal transplantation (therapeutic or optical), type of procedure (penetrating or lamellar keratoplasty [LK]), and clinical diagnosis of the graft recipients were recorded. Primary outcome measure was to observe any preference toward LK, judicious usage of donor corneal tissue, and impact of lamellar corneal transplant in the usage of donor corneas. Secondary outcomes included overall utilization rate and change in trend of indication for keratoplasty.Results:A total of 673, 745, and 864 corneas were retrieved in the years 2003, 2008, and 2011, respectively. The percentage of donor corneal utilization increased significantly over time with the rate being 65.08%, 70.06%, and 68.29%, respectively, in the years 2003, 2008, and 2011 (P = 0.014); however, this change was reflected only in the usage of nonoptical grade corneas and not for the optical grade corneas. There was an overall increase in lamellar corneal procedures for any clinical grade of cornea (P = 0.0019); number of Descemet''s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) procedures increased significantly (P < 0.001), particularly for pseudophakic corneal edema (PCE) (P = 0.0085) and failed graft (P = 0.002). Significant increase in the utilization of nonoptical grade corneas was observed over the years (P = 0.005), though the utilization did not increase significantly for optical purposes viz., LK (P = 0.08).Conclusions:Utilization rate of donor corneas increased over the years, primarily due to increase in usage of nonoptical grade corneas for therapeutic purposes. There was a procedural shift toward DSAEK for PCE and failed graft. However, an increase in usage of nonoptical grade corneas for LK, a single donor corneal tissue for two recipients, and retrieval or utilization of optical grade cornea was not observed.     

Correlation between visual acuity and interface reflectivity measured by pentacam following DSAEK

Purpose: Descemet‐stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) is an advanced method of lamellar endothelial keratoplasty. In comparison with penetrating keratoplasty, visual rehabilitation seems to be faster. Final visual outcome of DSAEK, however, seems to be limited, especially in comparison with Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). DSAEK cases without graft failure often do not show any definite correlate for the reduced optical performance. In this study, we tried to correlate visual acuity following DSAEK with interface reflectivity as measured by a rotating Scheimpflug system. Methods: We examined 14 eyes of 13 patients with the pentacam for 2–11 months following DSAEK. Reflectivity of the interface region in the centre of the optical axis as well as central corneal thickness was determined. Statistical correlation between interface reflectivity and best spectacle‐corrected visual acuity, central corneal thickness and follow‐up time was drawn (multifactorial linear regression analysis). Results: Statistically significant correlation between interface reflectivity and BSCVA as well as follow‐up time was found. Reflectivity was highest in regions of interface (metal) particles. There was no statistically significant correlation between interface reflectivity and central corneal thickness. Conclusion: We present a measurable correlate for reduced visual outcome following DSAEK despite a clear graft. Inverse correlation between interface reflectivity and best spectacle‐corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) indicates that irregularities or scarring in the interface region may influence the optical quality following DSAEK.     

自动板层刀辅助的后弹力层前膜角膜内皮移植术

角膜内皮移植已成为治疗角膜内皮病变的首选方法.作为目前主流的2种角膜内皮移植手术——后弹力层剥除自动板层刀制备的角膜内皮移植术和后弹力层角膜内皮移植术,前者手术操作易于掌握,但角膜植片仍带有部分基质;后者术后视觉质量好,但手术操作较难掌握,二次手术率较前者高.大气泡和自动板层刀辅助的后弹力层前膜角膜内皮移植术在自动板层刀制备角膜内皮植片的基础上,用大气泡法暴露中央6.5 mm直径的后弹力层前膜,本术式既有后弹力层角膜内皮移植术后的视觉效果,手术操作又易于掌握,值得推广.     

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.     

Donor disc attachment assessment with intraoperative spectral optical coherence tomography during descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty

Optical coherence tomography has already been proven to be useful for pre- and post-surgical anterior eye segment assessment, especially in lamellar keratoplasty procedures. There is no evidence for intraoperative usefulness of optical coherence tomography (OCT). We present a case report of the intraoperative donor disc attachment assessment with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in case of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) surgery combined with corneal incisions. The effectiveness of the performed corneal stab incisions was visualized directly by OCT scan analysis. OCT assisted DSAEK allows the assessment of the accuracy of the Descemet stripping and donor disc attachment.     

No-Touch Technique and a New Donor Adjuster for Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty

Purpose

One difficulty with Descemet''s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) is air management during surgery and donor endothelial lamella centering. We evaluated the no-touch technique for donor centering and the use of a newly developed DSAEK donor adjuster.

Methods

We evaluated the records of 12 consecutive patients (mean age 75.3 years) with bullous keratopathy who had undergone DSAEK. In all cases, the no-touch technique was attempted first. When the no-touch technique failed, a DSAEK donor adjuster with a 30-gauge cannula resembling a curved reverse Sinskey hook was used for donor centering. The adjuster allows air injection during donor centering.

Results

The no-touch technique using simple corneal surface massage to center the graft was successful in 4 cases (33.3%), while 4 cases required ocular tilting (33.3%) in addition to corneal surface massage. The no-touch technique was ineffective in 4 cases (33.3%), but the donor adjuster was used successfully and easily for these patients. Comparing the endothelial cell loss rate between the no-touch technique group and the donor adjuster group, there was no significant difference at 6 months.

Conclusions

The no-touch technique was useful for better control of DSAEK donor centering in most cases. When the no-touch technique was ineffective, the DSAEK donor adjuster was uniformly successful.Key Words: Descemet''s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty, No-touch technique, Donor adjuster     

The era of lamellar keratoplasty, evolving surgical techniques in corneal transplantation: the University of Toronto experience

ObjectiveTo analyze the changing trends in corneal transplantation techniques and the way selective lamellar transplantation has influenced our practice.DesignRetrospective survey of all corneal transplants performed by a single practice at Toronto Western Hospital.ParticipantsAll corneal transplants performed by our office since 2002, the year we performed our first lamellar transplant.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed all keratoplasty procedures performed in our office between January 2002 and December 2010. Procedures were classified as penetrating keratoplasty (PKP); deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty (DLEK); Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK); or deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK).ResultsA total of 1104 procedures were performed in this period (average, 122.6 per year). Of these, 654 were PKPs (59.3%); 107 DLEKs (9.7%); 219 DSAEKs (19.8%); and 124 DALKs (11.2%). The number of PKPs performed decreased by 61.8% over this 9-year survey. For the last 4 years of the study, the proportions of PKP, DSAEK, and DALK procedures performed were 41%, 40%, and 19%, respectively.ConclusionsThis 9-year audit showed that in less than a decade since its introduction at our institution, selective lamellar transplantation has become the procedure of choice for corneal keratoplasty, accounting for 59% of all transplants performed over the past 4 years.     

Combined endothelial keratoplasty and clear lens extraction for corneal decompensation in irido-corneal endothelial syndrome

A 38-year-old woman presented with corneal decompensation in left eye secondary to irido-corneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome. She underwent simultaneous Descemet''s stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) and clear lens extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. The surgery was accomplished comfortably without rupture of peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS). 5 weeks postoperatively, the graft was attached, the cornea was clear and best-corrected visual acuity improved from 20/400 to 20/30. DSEK combined with clear lens extraction appears to be an effective measure to treat corneal decompensation in patients with ICE syndrome. Associated lens extraction in such cases increases the working space in anterior chamber for DSEK, which minimizes the intra-operative graft manipulation. This also avoids a future difficult cataract surgery in the presence of PAS and an endothelial graft, which may increase the chances of graft survival.     

Posteriore lamelläre Keratoplastik (DSAEK)

Penetrating keratoplasty has been the gold standard for the surgical treatment of corneal endothelial pathologies, but tremendous progress has been made in recent years in improving the technology of posterior lamellar keratoplasty techniques such as Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). This progress is shown by a literature review using PubMed sources and our own clinical and experimental data. Posterior lamellar keratoplasty using a microkeratome is a reliable surgical technique for Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy. Visual rehabilitation is faster with lamellar compared with penetrating keratoplasty, but final visual acuity seems to be a bit reduced. Posterior lamellar keratoplasty techniques such as DSAEK may replace penetrating keratoplasty as the gold standard for treating a large proportion of corneal endothelial pathologies.     

Anterior lamellar keratoplasty: ‘Back to the Future’– a review

Newer forms of lamellar keratoplasty techniques have emerged in the last decade or so revolving around the concept of targeted replacement of diseased corneal layers. These include anterior lamellar keratoplasty (ALK) techniques that aim to selectively replace diseased corneal stroma and, endothelial keratoplasty techniques aiming to replaced damaged endothelium in endothelial disorders. ALK surgery has a distinct advantage over penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in that it minimizes unnecessary replacement of the unaffected healthy endothelial layer thereby almost eliminating the risk of endothelial rejection, a major cause of graft failure in PK. Overall it provides increased life expectancy to the graft and with advancements in the surgical technique and instrumentation for ALK, the visual outcomes are now comparable if not better to standard PK. There are several forms of ALK procedures that have evolved to cater to a wide range of stromal disorders. This article reviews the various emerging techniques of anterior lamellar surgery, its indications and visual outcomes, to emphasize the shift from PK to ALK for stromal disorders with a healthy endothelium.     

Blowout Fracture after Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty

We present the case of an 86-year-old woman who developed a blowout fracture after Descemet''s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). Sixteen months after DSAEK, she suffered a blow to her left eye caused by a fall. Computed tomography confirmed the presence of a blowout fracture of the inferior wall of the left orbit with soft tissue prolapsing into the orbit. The patient complained of no abnormal symptoms, and her operated cornea was intact and clear. There was no abnormal finding in both the anterior and posterior segments. This case highlights that the DSAEK technique provides adequate tectonic stability of the globe throughout the traumatic event in contrast to penetrating keratoplasty, which can lead to devastating vision damage after trauma.Key Words: Descemet''s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty, Corneal transplantation, Blowout fracture     

Cirugía combinada de catarata y queratoplastia lamelar endotelial en el síndrome iridocórneo endotelial

The case is reported of a 59-year-old woman, who reported decreased visual acuity (VA) in the left eye (LE). On examination, a corrected VA of finger count/ 30 cm was observed in LE. Corneal oedema and folds in the Descemet's membrane were observed using the slit lamp. Anterior synechiae, iris atrophy, and corectopia were also found. Iridocorneal endothelial syndrome (ICE) was diagnosed. The treatment option was a combination of cataract surgery and automated endothelial keratoplasty with Descemet's membrane dissection (DSAEK). There were no complications during the operation, with a successful anatomical and functional recovery, with a VA of 0,8 being observed after one year. This result supports the efficacy of DSAEK in ICE syndrome, encouraging more studies to be carried out that should also support its efficacy in this syndrome.     

Descemet's stripping with automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK)

BACKGROUND: Although penetrating keratoplasty remains the gold standard for surgically treating corneal endothelial pathologies, tremendous progress has been made in recent years to improve the technology of (posterior) lamellar keratoplasty. METHODS: Literature review from PubMed and own data. RESULTS: Posterior lamellar keratoplasty using a microkeratome (Descemet's stripping with automated endothelial keratoplasty, or DSAEK) is a reliable surgical technique for Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy. Visual rehabilitation is faster with lamellar keratoplasty than penetrating keratoplasty. CONCLUSION: Posterior lamellar keratoplasty techniques such as DSAEK will become an important surgical treatment option for corneal endothelial pathologies.     

Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty and penetrating keratoplasty for Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy

Purpose: To compare the outcome of Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) to that of penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in patients with Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy. Methods: The first 20 patients who underwent DSAEK at the Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital were compared to 20 patients treated with classic PK. Best‐corrected visual acuity, subjective spectacle refraction and corneal thickness were registered before surgery and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after DSAEK surgery; they were also measured before surgery and 12 months and 2–3 years after PK. Endothelial cell density was measured 12 months after surgery in both groups. Results: Two primary graft failures were observed in the DSAEK group; no failures were seen in the PK group. Best spectacle‐corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) at 12 months after surgery was significantly better in the DSAEK group (0.56 ± 0.04) than in the PK group (0.33 ± 0.06). At this time, 70% of the DSAEK‐treated eyes but only 25% of PK‐treated eyes had obtained a BSCVA of 0.5 or better. Two to three years after surgery, BSCVA was 0.5 or better in 55% of PK‐treated eyes. Refractive ametropia and astigmatism were significantly smaller in DSAEK‐treated eyes than in PK‐treated eyes, even after suture removal and arcuate keratotomy. Endothelial cell density (cells/mm²) after 1 year was lower in DSAEK‐treated (1.338 ± 113) than in PK‐treated eyes (1.610 ± 124), but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: DSAEK seems to be superior to PK in treating Fuchs’ endothelial keratoplasty, although primary graft failure may be more common. Visual recovery is faster, and major ametropia and astigmatism is not induced. Long‐term follow‐up studies are essential to assess whether this conclusion also holds true more than 1 year after surgery.     

Effect of the shape of the endothelial graft on the refractive results after Descemet's stripping with automated endothelial keratoplasty

Objective: To investigate the magnitude and the possible causes of the refractive changes after Descemets stripping with automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). In this article we describe the changes in corneal power after DSAEK and correlate them with the shape, diameter, and thickness of the endothelial graft obtained.Study Design: Retrospective chart review.Participants: 17 consecutive patients who underwent DSAEK at the Rand Eye Institute in 2007.Methods: The preoperative and post-DSAEK corneal power was determined using Gaussian optics and correlated with the DSAEK graft diameter and central, paracentral (P1), and peripheral (P2) graft thickness using images obtained from the Pentacam Scheimpflug.Results: During DSAEK there is addition of corneal tissue in the posterior layers of the cornea, which reduces the radius of curvature of the posterior layer of the cornea and also the total corneal power. The mean anterioposterior corneal radius of curvature ratio after DSAEK is 72.3% (SD 4.63%). In consequence, the keratometry values calculated after DSAEK using the Gaussian optics method are less than those measured by manual keratometry after surgery. A strong correlation was observed between the postoperative Gaussian keratometric power and the ratio of the central corneal DSAEK graft thickness (C) to the mean P2 measured at 7 mm optical zone (C:P2) (r² = 0.63, p < 0.01 ).Conclusions: DSAEK induced a mean hyperopic shift of 1.05 (SD 0.76) D. The mean anterioposterior corneal radius of curvature ratio decreased to 72.3%. Despite a great variability, the ratio between the central DSAEK graft thickness and the graft thickness at the 7 mm optical zone (C:P2 ratio) was correlated with the magnitude of the change in corneal power and induced hyperopia, which produces a steeper posterior corneal surface. No correlation between the DSAEK graft diameter and change in corneal power was noted. Customization in the shape of the donor graft lenticle might reduce the hyperopic shift noted after DSAEK.     

Fibrocellular contraction of a lamellar posterior corneal graft

Purpose

To report a case of progressive fibrotic contraction of the posterior lamellar graft after initially successful Descemet''s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).

Methods

Retrospective report of clinical data and histopathological analysis of excised corneal tissue.

Results

A 63-year-old woman underwent uncomplicated DSAEK in her left eye due to endothelial dystrophy. During the first months after surgery, her visual acuity was 0.3, and a semilunar contraction gradually appeared at the edge of the graft. Over the following months, the fibrotic changes progressed and visual acuity decreased, with no improvement after uncomplicated cataract surgery. A successful penetrating keratoplasty was performed, and the excised corneal button with an attached posterior lamellar graft was histologically examined. The affected part of the graft consisted of a thickened fibrocellular tissue positive for glycosaminoglycans and smooth muscle actin.

Conclusions

The present case demonstrates asymmetric fibrotic contraction of a DSAEK graft.Key Words: Anti-smooth muscle actin, Cornea, Endothelial keratoplasty, Transplantation     

Tectonic deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in impending corneal perforation using cryopreserved cornea

We report a case of tectonic corneal transplantation for impending corneal perforation to preserve anatomic integrity using cryopreserved donor tissue. An 82-year-old woman exhibiting impending corneal perforation suffered from moderate ocular pain in the left eye for one week. After abnormal tissues around the impending perforation area were carefully peeled away using a Crescent blade and Vannas scissors, the patient received tectonic deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty using a cryopreserved cornea stored in Optisol GS® solution at -70℃ for four weeks. At six months after surgery, the cornea remained transparent and restored the normal corneal thickness. There were no complications such as corneal haze or scars, graft rejection, recurrent corneal ulcer, and postoperative rise of intraocular pressure. Cryopreserved donor lamellar tissue is an effective substitute in emergency tectonic lamellar keratoplasty, such as impending corneal perforation and severe necrotic corneal keratitis.     

Posteriore lamelläre Keratoplastik (DSAEK)

Background

Although penetrating keratoplasty remains the gold standard for surgically treating corneal endothelial pathologies, tremendous progress has been made in recent years to improve the technology of (posterior) lamellar keratoplasty.

Methods

Literature review from PubMed and own data.

Results

Posterior lamellar keratoplasty using a microkeratome (Descemet’s stripping with automated endothelial keratoplasty, or DSAEK) is a reliable surgical technique for Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy. Visual rehabilitation is faster with lamellar keratoplasty than penetrating keratoplasty.

Conclusion

Posterior lamellar keratoplasty techniques such as DSAEK will become an important surgical treatment option for corneal endothelial pathologies.     

Identifying causes for poor visual outcome after DSEK/DSAEK following secondary DMEK in the same eye

Purpose: To identify causes of reduced visual acuity after Descemet stripping (automated) endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK/DSAEK) and to determine whether such eyes can be successfully ‘repaired’ with a secondary Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). Methods: Twelve eyes of 12 patients, who underwent secondary DMEK to manage poor visual outcome after initial DSEK/DSAEK, were evaluated with biomicroscopy, Pentacam imaging, and specular and confocal microscopy, before and at 1, 3 and 6 months after DMEK. Results: Four causes of reduced optical quality of the transplanted host cornea could be identified in DSEK/DSAEK: five eyes (42%) showed large host‐Descemet remnants within the visual axis during surgery; six eyes (50%) irregular graft thickness; six eyes subtle ‘stromal waves’; and nine eyes (75%) high reflectivity at the donor‐to‐host interface. After DMEK graft replacement, all corneas cleared and achieved a best corrected visual acuity of ≥20/25 (≥0.8), except for one with a partial Descemet graft detachment. Pachymetry values decreased from 670 (±112) μm before to 517 (±57) μm after secondary DMEK. Higher‐order aberrations (Coma and Trefoil) at the posterior surface tended to be lower (p = 0.07) in DMEK grafts than in DSEK/DSAEK grafts. Conclusion: Host‐Descemet remnants at the donor‐to‐host interface, interface reflectivity, graft thickness irregularity and donor stromal contraction may contribute to poor visual outcome after DSEK/DSAEK, without causing permanent host corneal damage, as in most cases, complete visual recovery could be achieved by performing a secondary DMEK.