Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in patients with toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS).

METHODS: Thirteen eyes of 13 patients who underwent DMEK for endothelial decompensation secondary to TASS were retrospectively reviewed. A comprehensive ocular examination including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slitlamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure measurement, fundus evaluation, and measurement of central corneal thickness were performed in all patients at preoperatively and postoperatively.

RESULTS: There were 8 men and 5 women, with an average age of 56 ± 19 years. The mean follow-up was 8.7 ± 3.5 months. The time interval between the onset of TASS and DMEK was 4.9.±6.6 months (range, 1.5-26 months). Twelve of 13 grafts were clear at last visit. The mean preoperative BCVA was 20/666 (range, hand motion to 20/200), and the mean BCVA was 20/36 (range, hand motion to 20/20) at the postoperative last visit (P = 0.003). The decrease in mean pachymetry from preoperative (768 ± 69 μm) to postoperative last visit (523 ± 71 μm) was statistically significant (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: DMEK seems to be a safe and an effective treatment option in eyes with TASS-related endothelial decompensation.