Planned Descemetorhexis Without Endothelial Keratoplasty in Eyes With Fuchs Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the results of a simple 6-mm central descemetorhexis in eyes with Fuchs corneal endothelial dystrophy. METHODS: This prospective nonrandomized IRB approved pilot study was performed on 2 patients with coexisting Fuchs dystrophy and cataract who underwent combined phacoemulsification and descemetorhexis without endothelial transplantation. RESULTS: In each patient, residual disciform stromal edema corresponded to the diameter of the descemetorhexis and led to an associated loss of visual acuity. Vision improved to 20/40 -1 in case 1 and to 150 -1 in case 2 during a follow-up period of 12 and 10 months, respectively. Endothelial cell repopulation of the descemetorhexis could not be confirmed because of the presence of persistent corneal edema. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the relatively poor postoperative visual acuity and slow visual recovery, a simple descemetorhexis is not an acceptable form of therapy for eyes with Fuchs corneal endothelial dystrophy.