Evaluation Of Corneal Layer Changes And Thickness In Endoart Patients Using Confocal Microscopy Pre- And Post-Operatively After 6 Months
Published 2025 - 43rd Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: PO934 | Type: Poster | DOI: 10.82333/n3bf-kj45
Authors: Armin Motaabbed* 1 , Sahand Amir-Asgari 1 , Martin Kronschläger 1 , Andreas Schlatter 1 , Stefan Palkovits 1 , Oliver Findl 1
1Ophthalmology,Hanusch Hospital,Vienna,Austria
Purpose
This study investigates the structural changes in corneal layers and thickness in patients undergoing EndoArt implantation, utilizing in-vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) for a detailed pre- and post-operative evaluation. IVCM provides high-resolution imaging of corneal layers, enabling quantitative assessments of endothelial cell density and corneal thickness, as well as qualitative analysis of morphological changes. Additionally, sub-basal nerve plexus imaging allows for the evaluation of nerve regeneration post-surgery. This study aims to provide insights into corneal healing dynamics, structural recovery, and corneal health outcomes over six months following EndoArt implantation.
Setting
This series of cases was managed and documented at the Ophthalmology Department of Hanusch Hospital in Vienna, utilizing IVCM to monitor pre- and post-operative changes in four patients.
Methods
To evaluate corneal layer changes and thickness in patients treated with EndoArt, four patients were recruited, and both AS-OCT and IVCM were performed preoperatively, as well as three and six months postoperatively. AS-OCT was performed using the MS-39 (Schwind), and IVCM was performed using the Heidelberg HRT3-RCM.
Results
AS-OCT and IVCM provided complementary postoperative findings. AS-OCT revealed a reduction in stromal thickness by the six-month follow-up, while IVCM demonstrated a progressive decrease in corneal edema, enhancing the visualization of cellular structures. The epithelial layer showed signs of regeneration, and keratocytes within the corneal stroma became increasingly distinguishable, aligning with clinical improvements.
Furthermore, IVCM detected changes in sub-basal nerve density, with gradual nerve regeneration observed both three and six months postoperatively. The superficial epithelium exhibited a resolution of epithelial bullae, which were replaced by a hyperreflective area bordered by adjacent epithelial cells.
Conclusions