Chandelier Illumination for Use During Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty in Patients With Advanced Bullous Keratopathy

We demonstrate a technique that uses chandelier illumination during Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in cases of severe bullous keratopathy. A chandelier illumination fiber inserted through the corneal side port provides sclerotic scattering-like illumination from the sclerocorneal margin and endoillumination from the anterior chamber, resulting in excellent visibility for Descemet stripping and intraocular manipulation without obstruction from a hazy cornea. In cases complicated by dense cataract, the chandelier fiber can be inserted transconjunctivally into the pars plana, providing sufficient retroillumination to perform phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation combined with Descemet stripping for a DSAEK triple procedure. Because of the powerful illumination and hands-free nature of the chandelier fiber, the Descemet membrane can be visualized clearly and stripped as 1 sheet without inadvertent complications. We have developed a new 25-gauge illuminated anterior chamber maintainer comprising a 25-gauge infusion cannula through which a 29-gauge chandelier fiber probe passes. Because of the resulting bright illumination and adequate irrigation flow, excellent visibility with stable anterior chamber maintenance can be concurrently obtained for Descemet stripping, endothelial graft insertion, and subsequent intraocular manipulations without the need for biological staining or ophthalmic viscosurgical products, even in patients with severe corneal haze. This technique and new device facilitates safe and simple intraocular manipulation during DSAEK and encourages surgeons to perform DSAEK in challenging cases.