Long-term Clinical Outcomes of Femtosecond LASER-Assisted Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of femtosecond LASER-assisted Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK). METHODS: The clinical results of endothelial keratopathy from 11 consecutive patients who were followed up for at least 12 months after femtosecond LASER-assisted DSEK were retrospectively analyzed. The best corrected visual acuities (BCVA), manifest refractions, intraocular pressures, and perioperative complications were evaluated preoperatively and up to 24 months after the femtosecond LASER-assisted DSEK. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 18 months. Postoperative visual acuity had significantly improved from 1.26 (logMAR) to 0.80 (logMAR) at 3 months (p < 0.05) and this change was maintained during postoperative follow-up. All eyes underwent successful transplantation and the donor discs were well-attached. The mean endothelial cell density continued to decrease during the follow-up period. The donor-recipient stromal interface was the area where varying degree of haziness and birefringent particles were found. CONCLUSIONS: The femtosecond LASER-assisted DSEK was effective in creating an endothelial donor disc which resulted in rapid visual recovery and low surgically-induced astigmatism. However, the operation caused rapid decrease in endothelial cell density which requires continuing further consideration by the physician.