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Updated: Dec 6, 2025
Corneal Donor Tissue Preparation for Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty
Published on: September 17, 2014
Refractive Outcomes of Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Combined With Cataract Surgery in Fuchs Endothelial
Purpose:
To evaluate the refractive outcomes of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty combined with cataract surgery (DMEK triple) in patients with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy.
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of 68 eyes of 68 patients with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy who underwent DMEK triple between 2014 and 2018.
Results:
The mean age of patients was 66.5 ± 8.6 years, and 65% (44 of 68) were female. Mean target refraction was -0.69 diopters (D) (interquartile range: -0.80 to -0.50 D). At 6 months, 47% (32 of 68) and 63% (43 of 68) of eyes were within ±0.50 and ±1.00 D of target refraction, respectively. Among eyes greater than 0.50 D from target, 78% (28 of 36) were hyperopic surprises. Mean spherical equivalent at 6 months was -0.14 ± 1.26 D, representing a mean hyperopic shift of 0.55 D from target. Preoperative pachymetry was higher in eyes with greater than 0.50 D of hyperopic surprise (648 ± 60 vs 613 ± 49 µm, P = .04). Refractive shift was greater in eyes with a preoperative central corneal thickness of 640 µm or greater versus eyes with a central corneal thickness of less than 640 µm (+1.20 ± 0.92 vs +0.40 ± 0.99 D, P = .02). None of the eyes with a preoperative central corneal thickness of 640 µm or greater shifted myopically compared to target (range: -0.09 to +2.89 D).
Conclusions:
A mean hyperopic shift of 0.55 D from target refraction occurred after DMEK triple, and 47% of eyes were within 0.50 D of target refraction at 6 months postoperatively. Thicker corneas preoperatively had greater hyperopic shift. A greater myopic target refraction may be warranted in eyes with a preoperative central corneal thickness of 640 µm or greater. [J Refract Surg. 2020;36(10):661-666.].
