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The Evolution of Corneal Transplantation
Tobias Röck1, Johanna Landenberger1, Matthias Bramkamp2
1Centre for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
Annals of Transplantation
|December 16, 2017
Summary
Corneal transplantation rates nearly doubled between 2005 and 2016, with Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) becoming the preferred surgical method for endothelial dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Innovation
- Corneal Disease Management
Background:
- Corneal transplantation trends and indications evolve over time.
- Understanding these shifts is crucial for optimizing patient care and surgical training.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the changes in surgical techniques and primary reasons for corneal transplantation.
- To track the adoption of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) versus traditional methods.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of corneal graft waiting list and keratoplasty data.
- Evaluation of 1259 corneal transplantations performed between 2005 and 2016.
- Statistical comparison of surgical methods and indications over two 6-year periods.
Main Results:
- Corneal transplantation rates increased significantly, nearly doubling from 71 to 139 procedures annually.
- Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (45.5%) and keratoconus (14.2%) were the leading indications.
- Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) adoption surged, becoming the dominant technique for endothelial disorders by 2013.
Conclusions:
- Corneal transplantation techniques and indications have significantly evolved between 2005 and 2016.
- Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) is now the gold standard for corneal endothelial dysfunction.
- The study highlights a major shift towards endothelial keratoplasty techniques.
