Abstract

FR.04.05

Preliminary results of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK)

Melles G. R. J., Ong T. S., Ververs B., van der Wees J.
Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery, Rotterdam, Netherlands, www.niios.com

Objective: To describe the preliminary clinical results of selective transplantation of organ cultured donor Descemet membrane (DM) carrying autologous corneal endothelium through a 3.5 mm incision, ie Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) for the management of corneal endothelial disorders.
Methods: In 7 patients with Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy, a DMEK was performed. Through a 3.5 mm clear corneal incision, the host DM was stripped off from the posterior stroma. A 9.0 mm diameter, organ cultured DM roll was inserted into a recipient anterior chamber, and positioned onto the posterior stroma by completely filling the anterior chamber with air for 30 minutes.
Results: At one week, four eyes had a BCVA of >0.6, and one eye reached its maximal visual potential of 0.25. In all of these eyes, the endothelial cell density was >2000 cells/mm². The two remaining eyes showed a complete detachment of the donor tissue.
Conclusions: DMEK may provide quick and complete visual rehabilitation. Since the donor tissue required can be prepared from organ cultured corneas, the procedure may be readily accessable to most corneal surgeons.

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