Planned Descemetorhexis Without Endothelial Keratoplasty in Eyes With Fuchs Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the results of a simple 6-mm central descemetorhexis in eyes with Fuchs corneal endothelial dystrophy.

METHODS

This prospective nonrandomized IRB approved pilot study was performed on 2 patients with coexisting Fuchs dystrophy and cataract who underwent combined phacoemulsification and descemetorhexis without endothelial transplantation.

RESULTS

In each patient, residual disciform stromal edema corresponded to the diameter of the descemetorhexis and led to an associated loss of visual acuity. Vision improved to 20/40 -1 in case 1 and to 150 -1 in case 2 during a follow-up period of 12 and 10 months, respectively. Endothelial cell repopulation of the descemetorhexis could not be confirmed because of the presence of persistent corneal edema.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the relatively poor postoperative visual acuity and slow visual recovery, a simple descemetorhexis is not an acceptable form of therapy for eyes with Fuchs corneal endothelial dystrophy.