Graft detachments in endothelial keratoplasty

Br J Ophthalmol. 2022 Jan;106(1):1-13. doi: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-318092. Epub 2021 Jan 4.

Abstract

Graft detachment is the most common complication of endothelial keratoplasty. With the ongoing advancements in the field of endothelial keratoplasty, our understanding of risk factors of graft detachments and its management has been evolving. Various prevention measures have been described in literature including presoaking the donor graft, anterior chamber tamponade, venting incisions, sutures to prevent dislocation of graft. Management of a detached graft involves secondary interventions such as rebubbling, suturing and regrafts. In this review, we discuss graft detachment in different types of endothelial keratoplasty techniques including Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty, Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty and Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty; with emphasis on incidence, risk factors, preventive measures and their management.

Keywords: cornea; treatment surgery.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anterior Chamber
  • Descemet Membrane / surgery
  • Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty* / adverse effects
  • Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty* / methods
  • Endothelium, Corneal / surgery
  • Graft Survival
  • Humans
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Visual Acuity