Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty in Thick Corneas

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) in corneas > 820 microns in thickness. Methods: This retrospective study included 30 eyes of 30 patients who underwent DSAEK. Endothelial cell destiny (ECD) and corneal thickness were recorded before surgery and at 1 and 12 months postoperatively. Patients were divided into two groups (≤ 820 microns and > 820 microns) based on median preoperative corneal thickness. Linear regression analyses were used to investigate the correlations between ECD and preoperative corneal thickness. Results: Recipient corneal thickness (RCT) and postoperative central cornea thickness had a statistically significant difference 1 month after surgery (p = 0.03, p = 0.08, respectively). BCVA and ECD did not have a statistical difference in the two groups at 1 month and 12 months after DSAEK. Conclusions: BCVA, ECD and corneal thickness were similar at 12 months after DSAEK in thick corneas. DSAEK is a viable surgical option in thick corneas.