# Epithelial ingrowth in descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty associated with vitreous loss

## TL;DR

A rare case of epithelial ingrowth after DMEK surgery is reported, linked to vitreous prolapse and successfully treated with laser.

## Contribution

Identifies vitreous retention as a potential risk factor for epithelial ingrowth in DMEK and suggests laser treatment as an effective intervention.

## Key findings

- Epithelial ingrowth occurred at the graft-host interface after DMEK with vitreous prolapse.
- YAG laser treatment successfully removed the opacity without recurrence.
- Vitreous retention may act as a scaffold promoting epithelial ingrowth.

## Abstract

Epithelial ingrowth is a rare but potentially sight-threatening complication caused by the invasion of corneal or conjunctival epithelial cells into the eye during ocular surgeries. DMEK is emerging as a widely used surgery for endothelial keratoplasty with its improved safety profile. We describe a case of epithelial ingrowth in the graft-host interface after uneventful DMEK associated with vitreous prolapse in the anterior chamber.

An 81-year-old female with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy underwent DMEK for corneal decompensation following cataract surgery. During the DMEK procedure, vitreous prolapse was observed around the intraocular lens (IOL). Her early postoperative course was unremarkable, but a dense paracentral interface opacity was observed during the 3-month follow-up. The area of epithelial ingrowth was imaged with optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a uniform nodule with a discrete increase in interface hyperreflectivity. A low-energy YAG laser was applied to remove the opacity. She maintained good vision and clear cornea without reoccurrence after treatment.

We propose that, in addition to the introduction of epithelial cells during surgery, vitreous retention in the anterior chamber may be a risk factor by providing a scaffold that potentially aggravates epithelial ingrowth in DMEK. Our case demonstrated that early YAG intervention may disrupt interface epithelial cell growth, and the transmitted laser energy may fragment the scaffold vitreous noninvasively.