Chandelier illumination to complete Descemet stripping through severe hazy cornea during Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty

We describe a technique that uses chandelier illumination during Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in severe bullous keratopathy. A 25-gauge or 27-gauge chandelier illumination fiber inserted through the corneal side port serves as sclera-scattering illumination from the sclerocorneal margin and endoillumination from the anterior chamber and provides excellent visibility for Descemet stripping and intraocular manipulation without obstruction by 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, Descemet membrane can be visualized clearly and stripped as 1 sheet without inadvertent complications. This new technique is safe and might encourage surgeons to perform DSAEK in challenging cases.