Influence of Donor Characteristics on Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty

Abstract

We found that donor age and endothelial cell density influence the properties of DMEK grafts, and thereby the duration of the surgical procedure. Increased unfolding times result in higher endothelial cell loss. Therefore, it seems reasonable to accept preferably older donors with high endothelial cell densities for DMEK, which may be particularly true for inexperienced surgeons or complex clinical situations.