Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Graft Preparation Success Rate in Donor Corneas With Post-phacoemulsification Scars

Purpose: To evaluate the success rate of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) graft preparation in donor corneas with post-phacoemulsification scars. Methods: DMEK grafts were prepared from 74 corneas with peripheral post-phacoemulsification scars to harvest an isolated Descemet roll. Graft quality was assessed with inverted light microscopy. Results: Successful graft preparation was achieved in 54% (n = 40) of cases. Dissection failure occurred in 34% (n = 25) due to graft tearing, and 12% (n = 9) of grafts was rejected due to inadequate quality. The success rate in corneas without post-phacoemulsification scars was 91%. Conclusions: Despite lower success rates compared with unscarred corneas, donor corneas with peripheral post-phacoemulsification scars may represent a valuable source of tissue for DMEK.