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Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Corneal Donor Tissue Preparation for Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty
Published on: September 17, 2014
Two-Year Refractive Outcomes After Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty
Korine van Dijk1, Marina Rodriguez-Calvo-de-Mora, Hilde van Esch
1*Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery, Rotterdam, the Netherlands;†Melles Cornea Clinic Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands;‡Hospital Regional Universitario Málaga, Spain; and§Amnitrans EyeBank Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Refractive changes after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) stabilize by 3 months, with ongoing anterior corneal curvature changes. Preoperative corneal densitometry and graft detachment influence these shifts.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Corneal Surgery
- Refractive Error
Background:
- Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is a surgical procedure for endothelial dysfunction.
- Understanding refractive outcomes and influencing factors post-DMEK is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To monitor refractive changes following Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).
- To identify factors influencing refractive changes and the timing of stabilization after DMEK.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of biomicroscopy, visual acuity, refraction, and Scheimpflug tomography in 67 pseudophakic DMEK eyes.
- Data collected preoperatively and up to 2 years postoperatively.
Main Results:
- Spherical equivalent (SE) and posterior keratometry stabilized by 3 months post-DMEK.
- Anterior keratometry showed initial flattening followed by significant steepening between 1-2 years.
- Changes in anterior keratometry correlated with preoperative corneal densitometry and graft detachment.
Conclusions:
- Refractive and posterior corneal curvature stabilize around 3 months after DMEK.
- Anterior corneal curvature continues to change gradually post-DMEK.
- Preoperative corneal opacity and graft detachment are potential predictors of anterior curvature changes.
