Purpose: To present the results of a modified sutured transcleral or sutureless intrascleral three-piece foldable intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in cases of aphakic bullous keratopathy (ABK) with inadequate capsular support.Methods: Twenty-one eyes of 21 patients with ABK and inadequate capsular support who underwent DMEK with three-piece foldable IOL implantation from September 2015 to June 2018 were analyzed, retrospectively. Two techniques were used in IOL implantation; sutureless intrascleral fixation of the IOL (ISF-IOL) and sutured transscleral-fixated IOL (TSF-IOL) implantation.Results: Rebubblings due to the graft detachment were needed in 9 (43%) of 21 eyes in the early postoperative period. At the last follow-up visit, 18 (85.7%) of DM grafts were attached. Any complication related to IOL implantation was not observed in the ISF-IOL cases. Exposure of the fixation suture in 1 (25%) of 4 TSF-IOL cases was seen, postoperatively. The increase in the mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the last follow-up visit was statistically significant when compared to the mean preoperative BCVA (p < .001). The mean preoperative central corneal thickness was decreased from 883.3 ± 111.8 (700-1150) μm to 582.3 ± 118.2 (490-990) μm at the last follow-up visit (p < .001).Conclusion: DMEK combined with sutureless/sutured three-piece foldable IOL implantation appears to be a feasible method for the management in ABK without adequate capsular support. A faster visual recovery can be obtained with the techniques presented.
Keywords: Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty; aphakic bullous keratopathy; corneal edema; scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation; sutureless intrascleral three-piece foldable intraocular lens.