Comparison of corneal thickness and haze in DSAEK and penetrating keratoplasty

Purpose: To compare corneal thickness and haze in Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Methods: This study included 30 consecutive patients undergoing DSAEK (18 patients) and PK (12 patients). Central corneal thickness and corneal haze were analyzed longitudinally by Pentacam (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after grafting. Results: The mean age of patients in the DSAEK group was 71.42 ± 9.91 years (range, 55-85 years) and in the PK group was 60.58 ± 16.58 years (range, 31-81 years). Two weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery, the cornea was significantly thicker in the DSAEK group compared with the PK group (P < 0.01). Two weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after the operation, the cornea had significantly more haze in the DSAEK group compared with the PK group (P < 0.05). Haze in the DSAEK group was mainly observed in the subepithelial stroma. Conclusions: DSAEK grafts were significantly thicker with increased haze for up to 3 months after surgery. Scheimpflug system is available for quantifying not only corneal thickness but also corneal haze after various keratoplasty procedures.