Five-year follow-up of corneal morphology and corneal refractive power changes after uneventful DMEK

To investigate changes of corneal thickness spatial profile (CTSP), corneal volume (CV) distribution, and total corneal refractive power (TCRP) over a course of 60 months after uneventful Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

In our prospective, comparative study, sixty DMEK cases without intraoperative and postoperative complications and with complete 60-month follow-up were included (group 1). CTSP at corneal apex (CCT) and at 2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm rings, CV in 3 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm, and 10 mm zones, and TCRF in 2 mm, 4 mm 6 mm, and 8 mm zones were evaluated preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 60 months postoperatively. The 60-month results were compared to an age-matched group of uncomplicated pseudophakic eyes (group 2; n = 20).

The CCT and CTSP at 2, 4, and 6 mm increased significantly at 60 months compared to 3-month outcomes (P < 0.001). Similarly, CV increased significantly in 3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm zones at 60 months compared to 3 months outcomes (P < 0.001). The TCRP showed in all zones a significant decrease at 3 months (P < 0.001) followed by a continuous and significant increase at 60 months (P < 0.001). The 60-month CCT and CTSP at 2 mm were similar to group 2 (P ≥ 0.094).

Sixty months after uneventful DMEK, CT within the central 2 mm zone and CV at 3 mm zone were similar to uncomplicated pseudophakic eyes. A continuous and statistically significant increase of TCRP was observed in all measured zones after the 3-month examination.