Outcomes of Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty in cases of corneal endothelial dysfunction

Automated microkeratome is commonly used to get donor lenticules for Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK); however, manual dissection of donor lenticules is also being done with good outcomes.

The aim of this study was to describe the results of manual DSEK performed in cases of corneal endothelial dysfunction caused due to pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, iridocorneal endothelial syndrome, and postpenetrating keratoplasty graft failure.

This was a retrospective observational study. The medical records of all patients with corneal decompensation who underwent DSEK at a tertiary care center performed by the same surgeon were reviewed. A standard DSEK with manually dissected donor lenticules was performed in all cases with the exception of the Descemet membrane not being removed in two cases. A comprehensive ophthalmic examination was performed preoperatively and at each postoperative visit in all patients.

Eight eyes of seven patients (four males and three females) were included. The mean age was 64.8 years (range, 49-74 years). The average follow-up was 10.9 months (range, 5-22 months). There was one case of primary graft failure which was managed by repeat DSEK. In the rest, corneas remained clear at the last follow-up. No rebubbling was done as none of the cases showed graft detachment. The preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/2000 or less, and postoperatively, BCVA attained was 20/30 in four eyes and one eye achieved 20/80.

Manual DSEK performed in eyes with corneal decompensation allowed rapid restoration of corneal clarity while minimizing intraoperative and postoperative complications.