Effect of lamellar keratoplasty after pre-Descemet’s membrane suture healing of acute corneal hydrops

Abstract

Abstract Background: This study aimed to observe the effect of lamellar keratoplasty (LK) after pre-Descemet’s membrane (pre-DM) suture healing of acute corneal hydrops (ACH). Methods: In a retrospective noncomparative case series, 11 patients (11 eyes) with ACH, who underwent pre-DM suture combined with intracameral air injection in the acute stage, underwent LK when the oedema subsided. During surgery, the diseased cornea was stripped layer by layer, and a mild scar in the deep stroma occasionally remained. The age, sex, diagnosis, scope of acute corneal oedema, size and location of scar after oedema healing, operation interval, postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), astigmatism, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Results: The average follow-up time was 15.45 ± 8.54 months (6–30 months). The average time from corneal suture to LK was 41.91 ± 36.39 days. After LK, the BCVA was 0.52 ± 0.18 (0.15–0.8), astigmatism on the front surface of corneal topography was 5.63 ± 1.28 D, and apparent optometry CYL was -4.50 ± 1.87 D. The central corneal thickness was 552.81 ± 62.81 μm (449–637 μm). Microperforation occurred in two cases. No other complications occurred in any patients until the last follow-up. Conclusions: LK can be performed earlier after the pre-DM suture of ACH. The combination of the two can shorten the overall course of the disease, significantly improve vision, and avoid the complications of penetrating keratoplasty.