Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty after Penetrating Keratoplasty Graft Failure

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of a successful secondary Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty in failed penetrating keratoplasty. Case summary: A 46-year-old male with keratoconus in both of his eyes underwent penetrating keratoplasty in his right eye 30 years ago and in his left eye 14 years ago. From one and a half year ago, the patient’s visual acuity decreased in his left eye due to graft failure. For treatment, secondary Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty was performed. Partial detachment of Descemet membrane was observed at 13 days after the operation, and an additional air injection was performed. At 8 months after the operation, the patient’s uncorrected visual acuity improved to 0.5 and the cornea maintained its clearance without rejection. Conclusions: Secondary Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty was successfully performed in a patient with failed penetrating keratoplasty. J Korean Ophthalmol Soc 2021;62(6):848-854