Descemet's stripping with automated endothelial keratoplasty and glaucoma

Descemet's stripping with automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) has recently become the preferred surgical procedure replacing penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) for corneal endothelial disorders. However, DSAEK may also be associated with postprocedure intraocular pressure elevation and secondary glaucoma, and presents unique surgical challenges in patients with preexisting glaucoma surgeries.

The relatively high rate of glaucoma induction or worsening after PKP has significant implications leading to corneal graft failure and irreversible vision loss from glaucomatous optic neuropathy. In contrast, DSAEK, in addition to providing excellent visual outcomes with faster recovery, may provide advantages over PKP with lower risk of serious, vision-threatening glaucoma-related complications. Pupillary block glaucoma, steroid-induced intraocular pressure elevation, and less commonly peripheral anterior synechiae development have been reported after DSAEK. In patients with preexisting glaucoma surgical procedures (trabeculectomy or tube shunts), special attention to techniques (which continue to evolve) are required to perform DSAEK safely and effectively.

As DSAEK continues to gain popularity and advance with more studies performed, our understanding of DSAEK-associated intraocular pressure elevation and secondary glaucoma-related complications will become more complete. Current limited data suggest that DSAEK may be a suitable surgical alternative to PKP in patients with corneal endothelial disease and coexistent glaucoma with or without prior glaucoma procedures with faster recovery and good visual outcomes.