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Updated: Aug 10, 2026
Corneal Donor Tissue Preparation for Endothelial Keratoplasty
Published on: June 12, 2012
Iris alterations after DSAEK
A Del Hierro Zarzuelo1, A Boto de Los Bueis1
1Servicio de Oftalmología, Departamento de Córnea, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, España.
Objective:
To evaluate a series of case that developed iris changes after performing Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).
Methods:
Retrospective study of eyes that developed iris abnormalities, such as pupil ovalisation, iris atrophy, iridocorneal synechiae, mydriatic pupil, and pigmentary changes after performing DSAEK in a tertiary hospital.
Results:
In a series of the first 32 DSAEK procedures performed, new single or mixed iris alterations were observed in 12 eyes (37.5%). Iris-corneal synechiae were observed in 7 eyes, corectopias in 9 eyes, iris atrophy in 3 cases, and one case developed an areflexic mydriatic pupil. Long-term pigment dispersion at the edge of the lenticule was observed in 12 eyes. The alterations occurred after three months from the surgery. In the evaluation of the associated factors, malignant glaucoma had occurred in 1 case, 2 eyes had required a second surgery, one case by re-DSAEK, and the other one by removing the intraocular lens due to lens opacification. Two cases had a shallow anterior chamber. No relationship was found between the thickness of the peripheral lenticule and the presence of synechiae.
Conclusion:
Iris changes regarding DSAEK are possible. A discussion is presented on the relationship between increased intraocular pressure due to air in anterior chamber and its relationship with ischaemia and secondary alterations in the iris.
