Visual and ultrastructural analysis after splitting of recipient's Descemet membrane during Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty.

ABSTRACT:

Background

During Descemetorhexis in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK), inadvertent lamellar splitting of the recipient's Descemet membrane (DM) may occur, leaving DM remnants on the posterior corneal surface. This study investigates the influence of lamellar splitting on surgical outcome as well as the histological ultrastructure of split DMs.

Methods

In this prospective, observational, single-centre cohort study 129 eyes of 102 patients were divided into two groups depending on the occurrence of intraoperative splitting. If splitting of the recipient's DM occurred, the remnants were polished via irrigation/aspiration. The primary outcome was the corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) four months after DMEK. Secondary outcomes were central corneal thickness

SUBMITTER: Friedrich M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12274397 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature