Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty with cornea press technique and implantation of a Carlevale scleral-fixated intraocular lens

Abstract

Purpose: We describe a combined Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) using the Cornea-press (C-Press) technique, with implantation of a new sutureless, scleral fixated intraocular lens (IOL) (Carlevale, Soleko), in a case of bullous keratopathy and IOL mispositioning. Observations: Two scleral pockets were created along two scleral radial incisions, 180° apart, followed by two 23 G sclerotomies at the pockets' sites. After removal of the dislocated IOL through a corneoscleral incision, posterior vitrectomy was completed. The Carlevale IOL was injected into the anterior chamber (AC) and placed above the iris. The haptics were then externalized using opening distal forceps through the sclerotomies, and the plugs were secured in the scleral pockets. DMEK was then performed using the “C-press” technique, where corneal indentation allowed to artificially shallow the AC to ensure successful graft unrolling. Fifteen months postoperatively, the cornea was clear, the Carlevale IOL well positioned, and the patient's vision improved. Conclusions and importance: DMEK using the C-Press technique, combined with a sutureless, scleral-fixated IOL such as the Carlevale in a single procedure, may be a safe and effective option to restore vision in case of bullous keratopathy and dislocated IOL.

Keywords

• Descemet membrane endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK)
• Sutureless
• Scleral fixated-IOL
• Carlevale IOL
• Bullous keratopathy