Descemet stripping with endothelial keratoplasty for treatment of iridocorneal endothelial syndrome.

PURPOSE

To describe use of Descemet stripping with endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) to treat corneal edema associated with iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome.

METHODS

In this retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series, the corneal endothelium was selectively replaced by the DSEK technique in eyes with ICE syndrome. Three eyes were treated at 1 center between June 2005 and July 2006. Descemet membrane and endothelium were stripped from the recipient and an 8- or 8.5-mm-diameter donor button consisting of posterior stroma and healthy endothelium was folded and implanted through a 5-mm incision. An air bubble was used to press the donor tissue against the recipient cornea, allowing it to attach without sutures. In 1 case with extensive peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS), after the PAS were broken, the anterior chamber was shallow, so a temporary anchor suture was placed in the peripheral edge of the donor tissue to help ensure that it would unfold in the correct orientation.

RESULTS

DSEK successfully resolved corneal edema in 3 male patients with unilateral ICE syndrome who were 47 to 67 years of age. Follow-up ranged from 1 to 14 months. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity at the most recent visit was 20/20 to 20/30, with a mean refractive cylinder of 1.2 D.

CONCLUSIONS

Selective replacement of dysfunctional endothelium with DSEK can successfully treat corneal edema and associated visual loss and pain caused by ICE syndrome. Visual recovery is rapid and refractive changes are minimal compared with replacement of the full corneal thickness with a traditional penetrating keratoplasty.