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HOAs, back-scattered light remain high 6 months after DMEK for Fuchs' dystrophy
Anterior and posterior higher-order aberrations and back-scattered light persisted for 6 months in eyes with Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy that underwent Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty, according to a study.
The retrospective study included 118 eyes of 118 patients who underwent DMEK for Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy. A control group comprised 27 eyes of 27 age-matched subjects with no ocular disease.
Researchers evaluated best corrected visual acuity, corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and back-scattered light preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively.
Average logMAR BCVA improved significantly in the study group, from 0.42 preoperatively to 0.08 at 6 months (P < .001), and remained at –0.02 in the control group (P < .001), according to the researchers.
The study group had higher anterior and posterior HOAs and back-scattered light values than the control group preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively (P < .033).
Results showed a significant association between postoperative anterior HOAs, back-scattered light and lower BCVA at 6 months (P = .020), according to the researchers.
Anterior corneal HOAs were unchanged from before surgery to 6 months after surgery; however, total posterior HOAs and haze decreased significantly (P < .001).
Disclosure: Melles is a consultant for DORC International/Dutch Ophthalmic USA. The other authors have no relevant financial disclosures.