Tectonic Mini-DSAEK Facilitates Closure of Corneal Perforation in Eyes With Healthy Endothelium.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report a surgical technique for closure of a traumatic corneal perforation in a patient with healthy endothelium.

METHODS

A 69-year-old male patient presented to Southend University Hospital with a 2.5 mm round temporal corneal perforation caused by a metallic foreign body from an industrial accident. Best-corrected visual acuity at presentation was 6/36. The patient received a tectonic small diameter Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (mini-DSAEK) to close the perforation. The patient subsequently developed traumatic cataract and underwent cataract surgery 8 months later. Clinical outcomes at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months were evaluated. The primary outcomes of interest were successful sustained closure of the perforation and surgical complications, with secondary outcomes of best-spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA, Snellen) and keratometric astigmatism (KA, Pentacam).

RESULTS

The anterior chamber was reformed by the graft, restoring the globe's mechanical integrity. The bare stroma reepithelized by 1 week. Neither intraoperative nor postoperative surgical complications were reported. The anterior chamber remained deep and formed during subsequent follow-ups through 9 months. At the 9-month follow-up, final best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 6/6-1 (Snellen fraction). Keratometric astigmatism was 1.1 diopters.

CONCLUSIONS

Tectonic mini-Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty is a safe technique in the management of corneal perforations too large for tissue adhesives, with a low astigmatic profile and rapid visual recovery.