Comparison of Visual Acuity Outcomes Between Nanothin Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty and Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To compare the visual outcomes and complications between nanothin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (NT-DSAEK) and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

METHODS:

A prospective comparative case series of 28 consecutive cases of NT-DSAEK (less than or equal to 50 μm) and DMEK was undertaken. Inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of Fuchs dystrophy, presence of pseudophakia, or planned combined cataract surgery/endothelial keratoplasty, with a minimum of 6-month follow-up. Exclusion criteria were any concurrent ocular comorbidities. Primary outcomes measures were best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and complications.

RESULTS:

Mean thickness of NT-DSAEK grafts was 41.0 ± 7.5 μm (range 26-50 μm). At 1 month postoperatively, the DMEK group had significantly better mean BSCVA of 0.18 ± 0.20 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (20/33) compared with 0.28 ± 0.16 logMAR (20/40) for NT-NSAEK (P = 0.049). At 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, mean BSCVA was comparable between both groups [3 months: NT-DSAEK 0.17 ± 0.12 logMAR (20/30) versus DMEK 0.13 ± 0.17 (20/27), P = 0.31; 6 months: NT-DSAEK 0.11 ± 0.10 logMAR (20/26) versus DMEK 0.09 ± 0.10 (20/25), P = 0.63; 12 months: NT-DSAEK 0.07 ± 0.09 logMAR (20/24) versus DMEK 0.07 ± 0.11 logMAR (20/24), P = 0.95]. Other than 1 NT-DSAEK graft that was successfully rebubbled, no other complications were encountered in either group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Compared with DMEK, NT-DSAEK provides comparable visual outcomes and complications rates.

• Authors: Khaliq H Kurji, Albert Y Cheung, Medi Eslani, Erin J Rolfes, Deepali Y Chachare, Nicholas J Auteri, Michael L Nordlund, Edward J Holland
• Journal: Cornea (Cornea) Vol. 37 Issue 10 Pg. 1226-1231 (Oct 2018) ISSN: 1536-4798 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 30028748 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Corneal Diseases (physiopathology, surgery)
• Descemet Membrane (surgery)
• Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (methods)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Prospective Studies
• Treatment Outcome
• Visual Acuity (physiology)