[Outcomes of cataract surgery in patients with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy].

PURPOSE: While endothelial keratoplasty has become the standard treatment for Fuchs dystrophy, the strategy for first-line surgery in patients with associated cataract is still debated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes of eyes with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) undergoing phacoemulsification alone, to ascertain preoperative factors that predict the need for endothelial keratoplasty (EK).

METHODS

Single-center retrospective study. Cataract surgery alone was performed in 64 eyes of 50 patients with FECD. This decision was made if the patient did not have morning blur, the central corneal thickness (CCT) was below 630 microns, and endothelial cells were visible in the periphery.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 21 months (range 5-55 months). The mean preoperative CCT was 571±43μm. 6 months after surgery, it was 584±52μm (P=0.12). During follow-up, 14 eyes (22%) required an EK because of poor visual outcome after cataract surgery alone. Mean pre-operative CCT of these eyes (595±23μm) was significantly higher than eyes that did not require EK during follow-up (564±45μm, P=0.022). Over 570 microns, 34% of eyes required an endothelial keratoplasty after the cataract surgery alone.

CONCLUSIONS

CCT below 630μm associated with the absence of morning blur are preoperative criteria allowing 78.1% eyes with FECD to obtain good visual outcomes after cataract surgery alone. In these eyes, EK can therefore be avoided while ensuring good results.