Modified Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty for eyes with glaucoma drainage devices and shallow...

To present a modified Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) technique to avoid risks of endothelial cell loss related to the presence of a glaucoma tube in cases with shallow anterior chamber.

A 72-year-old patient with an only eye and corneal decompensation secondary to a Baerveldt tube was referred for keratoplasty. He was pseudophakic and had shallow anterior chamber. His best-corrected visual acuity was counting fingers close to face. He underwent a combined procedure with withdrawal and shortening of tube followed by a modified DSAEK employing a 7.5-mm donor graft in which a peripheral notch was performed to overlay the silicon tube.

No intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted. The endothelial cell count was 2000/mm² after 15 months of the surgery. His best-corrected visual acuity remains 6/18 with a stable glaucoma.

This modified technique of DSAEK offers the benefits of endothelial transplant, and it could represent an option to reduce risks of corneal decompensation due to the presence of tubes in cases with shallow anterior chambers.