To report the resolution of anterior corneal fibrosis after Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK), in a patient with chronic corneal edema and anterior stromal scarring.
A 63-year-old woman, with a history of Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, presented with increasing discomfort and gradual visual loss in her right eye. Clinical examination revealed long-standing bullous keratopathy accompanied by marked subepithelial fibrosis (SEF). Based on the low postoperative visual potential due to glaucomatous optic neuropathy, we decided to proceed with DSAEK.
During the follow-up period, SEF was found to gradually resolve. Corneal clarity was restored and an improvement in visual acuity was observed up to 12 months after surgery.
DSAEK alone may represent an effective therapeutic option for the restoration of impaired corneal clarity in patients with long-standing corneal edema and concomitant anterior subepithelial scarring.