Abstract

DAPENA, I. et al. Visual acuity and endothelial cell density following Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol [online]. 2011, vol.86, n.12, pp.395-401. ISSN 0365-6691.

Purpose To assess the clinical outcomes of DMEK in the first series of 120 eyes operated for the treatment of Fuchs endothelial dystrophy in terms of visual acuity and endothelial cell density. Methods The first 120 consecutive eyes that underwent DMEK (i.e. transplantation of an isolated donor Descemet membrane with its endothelium) were evaluated. In all eyes, the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before and at 1, 3 and 6 months after surgery, as well as the endothelial cell density (ECD) before and at 6 months were measured. Results In eyes with a functional DMEK graft and good visual potential (n=96), the BCVA was > 20/40 (> 0.5) in 77% after 1 month, 92% after 3 months, and 95% after six months; > 20/25 (> 0.8) in 50%, 63%, and 73% of the cases, and > 20/20 (> 1.0) in 23%, 34%, and 45% of the cases at 1, 3, and 6 months respectively. In this group, ECD averaged 2610 (±185) cells/mm² before, and 1770 (±520) cells/mm² at six months after surgery (n=96). In 15 eyes, a secondary Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) was performed. In this group, 91% of patients reached a BCVA of > 20/40 (> 0.5) and only one patient achieved a BCVA of 0.8 at 6 months after surgery (n=11). Furthermore, ECD averaged 2580 (±185) cells/mm² before and 1310 (±740) cells/mm² at six months (n=13). Conclusion DMEK provides a fast and high visual rehabilitation. Endothelial cell density loss may be similar to earlier types of endothelial keratoplasty.

Keywords : Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty; Posterior lamellar keratoplasty; Corneal transplantation; Descemet membrane; Endothelium; Visual acuity; Endothelial cell density.

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