Surgical goniolens for tag identification and removal in DMEK surgery

Introduction We describe a novel technique for identifying endothelial Descemet membrane (DM) tags remaining after descemetorhexis in patients undergoing Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) surgery. Methods A surgical goniolens is applied to the corneal surface after descemetorhexis in order to visualize the peripheral inner corneal layer at 360 degrees and identify endothelial-DM tags. Results A detailed visualization of the peripheral inner corneal layer is possible using goniolens, without using any staining in the anterior chamber. Conclusion The technique may be used to screen the posterior corneal surface for any retained endothelial-DM tags. It may to lower the risk of remaining tags and indirectly lower the incidence of DMEK graft detachment.

Automated summary

This article describes a new technique for identifying endothelial Descemet membrane (DM) tags remaining after descemetorhexis in patients undergoing Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) surgery.