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Updated: Feb 25, 2026
Corneal Donor Tissue Preparation for Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty
Published on: September 17, 2014
First Reported Case of Donor Related Candida Endophthalmitis after Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty
Matthew Thompson1, David Carli2
1Tower Clock Eye Center 1087 W Mason St. Green Bay, WI, 54303, USA.
Purpose:
To report the first case of Candida donor to host transmission following descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).
Methods:
A retrospective case report.
Results:
A patient underwent uneventful DMEK. Following surgery the donor rim was culture positive for Candida. The patient developed fungal endophthalmitis that was treated medically with multiple injections of voriconazole and amphotericin. Medical treatment was unable to clear the infection and removal of the donor material was required. Following removal the infection subsided.
Conclusion:
Candida interface keratitis and endophthalmitis can occur following DMEK and may be difficult to treat medically. Early removal of the donor material should be considered.
