[Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty after implantation of glaucoma drainage devices]

Secondary decompensation of corneal endothelium, including transplanted, is a frequent long-term complication of glaucoma drainage surgery. According to literature data, after implantation of a glaucoma drainage device into the anterior chamber, the speed of endothelial cells density (ECD) loss increases significantly.

To study the possibility of performing modified Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) with maximum graft diameter, and to assess its short-term effectiveness in the treatment of bullous keratopathy (BK) in the presence of a glaucoma drainage device in the anterior chamber.

Modified surgery ³/₄-DMEK was performed in 9 eyes of 7 patients with BK and Ahmed glaucoma drainage using graft of maximum diameter (11±1 mm). Average follow-up time was 15.3±2.5 months (12 to 18 months).

No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. Mean ECD after 12 months amounted to 1664±346 cells/mm², which corresponds to ECD reduction of 34±9.6% (24 to 49%) in comparison to preoperative values. Mean best corrected visual acuity 12 months after surgery increased from 0.04±0.03 (0.01 to 0.1) to 0.3±0.2 (0.04 to 0.7). The last follow-up examination revealed all corneas to have preserved transparency and stable pachymetry measurements (from 488 to 548 µm).

Performing ³/₄-DMEK with a mega graft for treatment of BK after drainage surgery is technically possible. Absence of Descemet membrane (DM) donor and preservation of DM recipient in the drainage tube plane eliminates its contact with the endothelium. Maximum graft diameter should in the long term help prolong the effectiveness of the surgery.