Endothelial keratoplasty combined with cataract surgery or alone using polyethylene glycol hydrogel sealant for closure of corneal incisions

• Published in: Journal of cataract and refractive surgery Vol. 41; no. 3; pp. 492 - 496
• Main Authors: Spierer, Oriel, MD, O'Brien, Terrence P., MD
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.03.2015
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Astigmatism - prevention & control; Cataract - complications; Cataract - therapy; Cornea - surgery; Corneal Diseases - complications; Corneal Diseases - surgery; Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty - methods; Humans; Intraocular Pressure; Lens Implantation, Intraocular; Middle Aged; Ophthalmology; Phacoemulsification - methods; Polyethylene Glycols - administration & dosage; Tissue Adhesives - administration & dosage; Wound Healing - drug effects
• ISSN: 0886-3350; 1873-4502
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrs.2015.02.002

We present a surgical technique in which polyethylene glycol hydrogel is used to seal corneal incisions and maintain air in the anterior chamber. This technique was used in 11 eyes that had Descemet-stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK). In 2 cases, DSEK was combined with cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation. In all cases, the anterior chamber was well formed with no leakage and the donor graft remained attached following surgery. The use of polyethylene glycol hydrogel in DSEK and combined DSEK–cataract surgery may shorten surgery, decrease suture-induced corneal astigmatism, and prevent the need for suture removal. Financial Disclosure Neither author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.