PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in patients with a retained anterior chamber intraocular lens (ACIOL). METHODS: A retrospective review of 11 patients with corneal decompensation and ACIOL who underwent DSAEK was performed. All patients except 1 had open-loop style ACIOLs, and in all cases, there was adequate anterior chamber depth. At the time of surgery, 6 patients had a temporary suture to secure their graft, 2 of which were retained from the insertion method, and the other 4 were placed additionally. Postoperatively, the rate of donor detachment, graft clarity, corneal pachymetry, and visual acuity were noted. RESULTS: There was only 1 graft dislocation postoperatively, which was reattached successfully by air injection. There was 1 primary graft failure (without dislocation) among the 11 patients during the mean follow-up of 12 months (range: 6-25 months); at last follow-up, the visual acuity had improved in all the other 10 patients. CONCLUSIONS: This series demonstrates that DSAEK can be performed successfully in patients with existing ACIOLs. These early outcomes suggest that DSAEK alone may be considered as an alternative to a lens exchange with DSAEK in patients with adequate anterior chamber depth.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in patients with a retained anterior chamber intraocular lens (ACIOL). METHODS: A retrospective review of 11 patients with corneal decompensation and ACIOL who underwent DSAEK was performed. All patients except 1 had open-loop style ACIOLs, and in all cases, there was adequate anterior chamber depth. At the time of surgery, 6 patients had a temporary suture to secure their graft, 2 of which were retained from the insertion method, and the other 4 were placed additionally. Postoperatively, the rate of donor detachment, graft clarity, corneal pachymetry, and visual acuity were noted. RESULTS: There was only 1 graft dislocation postoperatively, which was reattached successfully by air injection. There was 1 primary graft failure (without dislocation) among the 11 patients during the mean follow-up of 12 months (range: 6-25 months); at last follow-up, the visual acuity had improved in all the other 10 patients. CONCLUSIONS: This series demonstrates that DSAEK can be performed successfully in patients with existing ACIOLs. These early outcomes suggest that DSAEK alone may be considered as an alternative to a lens exchange with DSAEK in patients with adequate anterior chamber depth.