[Clinical and functional results of one-step phaco surgery and central descemetorhexis for cataract and Fuchs primary endothelial corneal dystrophy].

UNLABELLED

Poor visual function associated with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is one of the main indications for keratoplasty. Reports of successful visual rehabilitation of patients with spontaneous or scheduled removal of the Descemet's membrane and the endothelium or donor material adhesion failure, suggest this research direction perspective.

AIM

to evaluate the potential as well as clinical and functional outcomes of phacoemulsification with central circular descemetorhexis in patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 19 patients aged 51-84 years were included. The preoperative best corrected visual acuity averaged 0.32±0.19, endothelial cells density - 629.6±336.9 cells/mm, and central corneal pachymetry - 587.8±44.8 µm. After phacoemulsification with IOL implantation, a 4 mm tap was created from the epithelial side of the cornea. Central circular descemetorhexis was done using a microhook. The membrane was removed with microforceps.

RESULTS

On day 1, there was central corneal edema matching the circular defect in the Descemet's membrane. As many as 26.3% of patients demonstrated rapid responses to the treatment, which implies that corneal transparency and visual improvement were achieved by the end of the first month after surgery. In other 26.3% of patients, full corneal transparency was not achieved and, therefore, endothelium transplantation had to be performed. The main group included 12 patients. At 12 months, the best corrected visual acuity was 0.66±0.29, central pachymetry - 569.27±63.74 µm, endothelial cells density - 634.00±170.41 cells/mm.

CONCLUSION

In 63.8% of patients, visual rehabilitation was achieved without endothelial transplantation, which provides new prospects for tissue-saving technologies in patients with endothelial corneal dystrophy.