Temporary iris-lens diaphragm to assist descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty in aphakic patients

PURPOSE: Presenting a simple technique using an inversely implanted contact lens to create a temporary diaphragm to assist DMEK surgery in aphakic, partially aniridic and vitrectomized eyes. OBSERVATIONS: The postoperative course was without pressure abnormalities and the anterior chamber remained deep. The cornea completely cleared within 3 weeks and remained clear after removal of the contact lens showing a corneal thickness of 544 μm and an intact endothelial cell pattern on endothelial cell microscopy after 3 months. CONCLUSION AND IMPORTANCE: The inversely implanted contact lens provides an easily accessible temporary diaphragm, making DMEK surgery a safer procedure even in complex eyes without an adequate posterior barrier.