Positive results seen in small DSEK, DSAEK case series

Mohamed Hantera

ABU DAHABI — The first 10 cases of Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty and Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty performed in a surgical center in Saudi Arabia have demonstrated the technique's efficacy in treating endothelial dysfunction, according to a speaker here.

"We were happy with the results and found surgery quite approachable with the glide method of graft insertion. Visual rehabilitation was much faster compared to full-thickness grafts," Mohamed Hantera, MD, said at the World Ophthalmology Congress. Epidemiological studies conducted on 8,000 eyes undergoing corneal transplantation in Saudi Arabia found that approximately 25% of eyes had endothelial disorders.

"This means that more than one-quarter of our patients are suitable for endothelial keratoplasty," Dr. Hantera said.

In particular, Fuchs' dystrophy was found at a higher prevalence than in the U.S., Singapore or a sample of European countries.

"In our group, bullous keratopathy was 50%, and then we had two Fuchs', one phakic bullous keratopathy following Artisan lens implantation and two failed grafts," Dr. Hantera said.

Study results showed that after 12 months, best corrected visual acuity was 20/40 for the bullous keratopathy group, 20/50 for Fuchs' dystrophy patients, 20/25 for the patient with the Artisan (Ophtec) lens implantation, and 20/40 for the two failed grafts.

"There was some concern about the incision that was large, 5 to 5.5 mm, but since it was in the sclera it did not affect much the keratometry readings. We believe that this technique is extremely valuable and should spread fast in our nation," Dr. Hantera said.

Disclosure: Dr. Hantera has no relevant financial disclosures.