Trends in corneal transplantation in a single center in Barcelona, Spain. Transitioning to DMEK

To observe trends in surgical techniques for corneal transplantation and main indications in our hospital over the past five years.

Retrospective descriptive study, including all keratoplasties performed at the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Spain, between January 2014 and December 2018.

In total, 332 keratoplasties were performed. In total, 127 (38.25%) were penetrating keratoplasties (PK), and 205 (61.75%) were lamellar keratoplasties (LK). In 2014, a total of 48 keratoplasties were carried-out, whereas in 2018, the total was 93, which represents a 93.75% increase in corneal transplantation surgeries. Eye bank-delivered precut tissue for DMEK was introduced in 2016, and 3 cases (6.25%), were carried out that year. In 2018, DMEK became the leading technique with 56 cases (60.22%). Fuchs' dystrophy was the leading indication for corneal transplant (37.63%) in 2018.

Introduction of DMEK in a single center can be implemented in a relatively short period of time, becoming the most popular surgical procedure in corneal transplantation. A possible factor encouraging this change is the availability of eye bank-delivered precut tissue, and standardization of donor preparation and host surgical steps, optimizing surgical time in the operating room. This trend should lead to better visual outcomes, faster recovery times, and eventually to a higher surgical volume per year.