Corneal sensation largely preserved up to 6 months after DSAEK

Cornea. 2010;29(1):13-18.

Corneal sensation was maintained after small-incision Descemet's stripping endothelial automated keratoplasty, according to a study.

"Preservation of corneal sensation may provide another advantage of DSAEK over traditional penetrating keratoplasty," the study authors said.

The prospective study included 52 eyes of 29 patients tested within the first 6 months after small-incision DSAEK. Average patient age at the time of surgery was 75 years. A control group comprised patients' contralateral eyes, which did not undergo DSAEK.

DSAEK was performed through a 4.2-mm clear corneal temporal incision.

Investigators measured corneal sensitivity at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock about 1 mm within the corneal limbus, similar sites 1 mm central to the edge of the donor lenticule and the central cornea. Sensation was tested 3 mm to 4 mm from the limbus and central cornea.

Study data showed mild hypesthesia of the central corneal epithelium overlaying the donor lenticule. Sensitivity at the five measurement points overlying the donor lenticule did not differ significantly from sensation at the four peripheral sites outside the margin of the lenticule.

Corneal sensation at the central five sites overlying the donor lenticule was lower than sensation at corresponding points in the control eye, but "careful analysis shows that this was driven by the slight decrease in sensitivity at the temporal incisional point."