Cataract surgery with FED

Rationale: Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy (FED) is associated with a reduction of the corneal endothelial cell density (ECD). As cataract surgery may enhance cell loss, and lead to corneal edema and reduced vision, it may become necessary to restore vision by posterior lamellar keratoplasty (PLK). With advanced FED, the ECD itself happens to be an unreliable parameter. Instead, we will evaluate backscatter on in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) as a possible decisive preoperative measure for the clinical choice between phaco-emulsification or triple procedure in eyes with FED and cataract.

Objective: To study IVCM backscatter measurements as a usefull measurement to decide between surgical indications.

Study design: Prospective observational trial.

Study population: Patients with advanced FED indicated for cataract surgery.

Intervention: None.

Main study parameters/endpoints: Preoperative corneal backscatter; postoperative
number of patients requiring PLK (y/n).

Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness: Particpants do not benefit. Assessments will be scheduled at the time of regular visits. Additional measurements include two IVCM assessments which involve contact with the cornea. Extra measurements will take about two times one hour.

In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) backscatter measurements is a usefull measurement to decide whether patients with FED and cataract should undergo either a phaco or a triple procedure.

Preop, 1 month.

None.