“Bubble Behind Iris” Technique in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty for Vitrectomized Eyes

Abstract

Purpose: Performing Descemet membrane keratoplasty (DMEK) in vitrectomized eyes can be challenging, owing to the compromised stability of the iris–lens diaphragm. This study presents a “bubble behind iris” technique in DMEK to achieve a shallower anterior chamber in vitrectomized and pseudophakic eyes. Methods: The patients with vitrectomized eyes who underwent DMEK between October 2022 and March 2023 were enrolled in this study. Following the insertion of the donor tissue into the anterior chamber, a 30-gauge blunt cannula was used to introduce an air bubble posterior to the iris. The depth of the anterior chamber was confirmed before unfolding the graft. Subsequently, the air bubble was carefully replaced with balanced salt solution insertion using the blunt cannula, and the anterior chamber was filled with gas for graft attachment. Results: This study included 3 eyes of 3 patients (3 men; mean age 62.3 ± 8.5 years). The best spectacle corrected visual acuity and central corneal thickness improved in all eyes with no notable complications. Conclusions: The “bubble behind iris” technique is a straightforward and minimally invasive approach for maintaining an optimal anterior chamber depth during DMEK in vitrectomized and pseudophakic eyes.