Abstract

Retrospective comparative interventional case series.

To evaluate and compare graft preparation failure (GPF) and endothelial cell density (ECD) in DMEK using pseudophakic donors (PPD Gr) and DMEK using phakic donors (PD Gr).

190 eyes who underwent either PPD Gr (n=42) or PD Gr (n=148) between Jul’2020 and Jun’2022 were included. GPF during surgery and postoperative ECD were recorded at 6, 12 and 24 months.

Donor age is slightly higher in PPD Gr (71 vs 67). Baseline donor ECD were 2877±184 and 2804±201 in PPD Gr and PD Gr respectively (p=0.14). GPF was 2.5% Vs 2.0% respectively (p=0.32). Mean ECD recorded after 6, 12 and 24 months were lower in PPD Gr than PD Gr: 2108 vs 2288; 1944 vs 2110 and 1707 vs; 1884 cells/mm2 respectively (p<0.05 in all time points).

DMEK using pseudophakic donors had less cell density compared to phakic donors at 2 years, but it is within acceptable limit. Donor preparation from a high count pseudophakic tissue may be a good option to maximize donor pool.