Work

Bubble-graft coverage after Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty depending on gaze angle

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: In Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) a gas bubble is usually used to attach the graft to the host cornea. In this study, we observed the bubble size and bubble-graft coverage at different gaze angles following DMEK. METHODS: ) gas-air mixture. Postoperatively, the bubble was photographed daily in different gaze angles ranging from a supine position (0°) to an upright position (90°) and a slightly inclined position (105°). The primary outcomes were bubble-graft coverage and bubble diameters depending on the gaze angle and time after DMEK. RESULTS: The highest bubble-graft coverage was achieved at a 0° gaze angle at all times of measurement. In the first 48 h after DMEK, the mean bubble-graft coverage was over 85% at a gaze angle between 0° and 45°. Starting 72 h after DMEK, the graft coverage declined at all gaze angles. The graft coverage at a 0° gaze angle was 88.61 ± 10.90% after 96 postoperative hours, while the graft coverage was below 85% at all other gaze angles. CONCLUSION: Our clinical results provide novel insight into variation in bubble-graft coverage as a function of gaze angle and may be used to aid in patient counselling for appropriate body positioning following DMEK to prevent early graft detachment. Maintaining supine positioning seems to be most advantageous starting 48 h after DMEK.

Source: European Journal of Ophthalmology

DOI: 10.1177/11206721241267277