Treatment of anterior corneal scarring, following DSAEK graft failure, with combined graft exchange and phototherapeutic keratectomy

Abstract Background To present a method, alternative to penetrating keratoplasty, for the restoration of impaired corneal clarity with anterior stromal scarring following long-standing corneal graft failure. Case presentation A 48-year old female who had previously underwent Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) for the treatment of pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, presented with long-standing corneal oedema and anterior corneal scarring. A significant improvement in corrected distance visual acuity was demonstrated, as corneal clarity was restored following graft exchange and phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK). Conclusions The combination of corneal graft exchange and phototherapeutic keratectomy may represent an effective therapeutic option for long-standing corneal oedema with concomitant anterior corneal scarring after failure of a DSAEK graft