Heterogenous pathogen profile associated with acute conjunctivitis in Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Infectious conjunctivitis is common in Nepal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study recruited 60 patients with presumed acute infectious conjunctivitis from the B.P. Koirala Lions Center for Ophthalmic Studies in Kathmandu, Nepal. Swabs from the conjunctiva and anterior nares were processed for metagenomic RNA deep sequencing (RNA-seq). RESULTS: Pathogens were identified in 55% of cases. RNA viruses were the most common pathogen class identified. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was the most common RNA virus identified. CONCLUSIONS: Acute infectious conjunctivitis varies by location. Contrary to expectations, RNA viruses predominated. Repeat surveillance may be useful and RNA-seq allows for detection of the unexpected pathogen including RNA viruses.

Case report peripheral ulcerative keratitis with nodular scleritis, presents as the primary manifestation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is an ANCA-associated autoimmune disorder that typically affects small and/or medium-sized blood vessels. Being a life-threatening disease, with timely suspicion, targeted laboratory investigations, and collaborative management from the ophthalmologist and rheumatologist led to long-term remission of the disease. Case: A 38-year-old female complaining of recurrent deep boring pain with redness in her left eye for many years, which was diagnosed as nodular scleritis with peripheral ulcerative keratitis. The patient also has recurrent bouts of epistaxis and in suspicion of GPA laboratory investigations were carried out and later diagnosed. She was started on cyclophosphamide and is currently under maintenance with rituximab. Case discussion: Ocular involvement has been shown to occur in 20-50% of the population in several studies. It causes conjunctivitis, episcleritis, scleritis, necrotizing keratitis, corneoscleral perforation, posterior uveitis, and optic neuritis. The positive C-ANCA and high PR3 autoantibody have high sensitivity and association with GPA. Cyclophosphamide has been shown to be an effective treatment in multiple studies whereas rituximab has been emerging as a new treatment modality for maintenance, which in turn helps in the remission and relapse of GPA cases. Conclusion: Scleritis and peripheral ulcerative keratitis can be the manifestation of a GPA. Careful evaluation, diagnosis, and management with a multidisciplinary medical team, early start of cyclophosphamide, and rituximab have a huge role in decreasing the disease activity and is life-saving.

Multiple myeloma with plasmacytoma of the clivus bone presenting with multiple cranial nerve III, IV, and VI palsy: A diagnostic dilemma.

Central nervous system (CNS) manifestation with cranial nerve palsy in multiple myeloma (MM) is a rare manifestation. Plasmacytoma originates from the bones of the skull base in 3% patients with MM but rarely develops from the soft tissues of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. Here, we present a case of 68-year-old male patient with multiple myeloma, clivus bone plasmacytoma, and cavernous sinus syndrome.

Agreement between Lea Symbols and Patti Pics visual acuity in children and adults.

BACKGROUND: Patti Pics (PP) and Lea Symbols (LS) are commonly used by eye care practitioners worldwide. Although the relationship between the two tests is fairly well understood, the availability of different chart designs (single optotypes, multiple optotypes, multiple optotypes with crowding box) merits futher understanding. The purpose of this study is to explore the agreement between the acuity measures obtained with Patti Pics and Lea Symbols in children and adults and compare their performance with the Sloan Letter (SL) chart in adults. METHODS: Monocular visual acuity was obtained from ninety-three 3 to 5-year-old children using Patti Pics and Lea Symbols. Acuities were also obtained from 113 adults using the same tests under identical conditions. Acuity results obtained with the pediatric tests were compared with the gold-standard Sloan Letter chart in adults. The Bland-Altman method was implemented to compare the level of agreement between tests. RESULTS: Patti Pics yielded worse visual acuity than the Lea Symbols by approximately half a logMAR line in both children (mean difference: -0.07 ± 0.07 logMAR, p <0.01) and adults (Mean difference: -0.05 ± 0.06 logMAR, p <0.01). The 95% limits of agreement between Lea Symbol acuity and Patti pics acuity in children was ± 0.14 logMAR. Mean difference between the Sloan Letter chart and Lea Symbols acuity was not statistically significant (p = 0.08) in adults but the difference was statistically significant between PP and SL (p<0.001). The 95% limits of agreement between LS and SL and between PP and SL was ± 0.19 logMAR and ± 0.22 logMAR, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patti Pics consistently underestimated visual acuity as compared to Lea Symbols both in children and adults although the differences were not clinically significant. The LS and PP did not yield clinically significant differences in acuities when compared with Sloan letters in adults.

A Combined Intervention of Single Vision Plus Lens and Tropicamide in the Treatment of Pseudomyopia: A Perspective Case Report from Nepal.

This study highlights the role of cycloplegic refraction in the detection of accommodative spasm and the use of tropicamide 1% as cycloplegic and single vision plus lens for its management. This was a case study carried at tertiary eye hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. In this study, 2 subjects presenting with complain of sudden onset of diminution of vision for near and distance along with asthenopic symptoms having history of prolonged near work were recruited. Pre-cycloplegic refraction showed fluctuating myopic refractive error which after cycloplegia showed a significant hyperopic shift. Single vision plus lens (base on post-mydriatic treatment) giving optimal vision for near and distance along with tropicamide 1% twice a day basis and abstinence of triggering factor was started as initial treatment modality. Subjects were kept under close surveillance and followed up fortnightly over 2 months. During this period, the dosages of tropicamide were gradually tapered based on symptomatic relief of patient and no recurrence of the condition was observed in both subjects for next 2 month.

Orbital apex syndrome secondary to myocysticercosis: A case report from Nepal.

Introduction: Cysticercosis is caused by parasitic infestation mainly by the larval form of Taenia solium. Orbital cysticercosis may involve both the intraocular structures and orbit particularly the extraocular muscles. The clinical manifestations are caused mainly by the mass effect of the cyst in the initial period resulting in ocular motility restriction and proptosis and depends primarily on the site of the lesion. Case presentation: Here we report a case of 27 years old male with orbital apex syndrome secondary to myocysticercosis. Discussion: Orbital myocysticercosis often mimics various eye pathologies like as isolated nerve palsy, orbital pseudotumor, orbital cellulitis. Acute vision loss in a case of orbital cysticerosis is mainly due to compressive optic neuropathy due to cystic lesion of extra ocular muscle or by direct invasion of the optic nerve. In our case, MRI orbit revealed cysticercosis of lateral rectus at orbital apex where it compressed the optic nerve resulting compressive optic neuropathy. Albendazole along with steroid was used as the first-line treatment. Conclusion: This case highlights that Orbital Apex Syndrome Secondary to Myocysticercosis is a rare and can lead to severe visual loss if not managed timely.

Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in COVID-19 infection - A case report.

Purpose: To report a case of a non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in the setting of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Observations: A 60-year-old healthy female without any risk factors for vasculopathy, presented with an acute painless diminution of vision noticed in the lower half of the visual field in the left eye. She was diagnosed with NAION in the setting of a recent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Conclusions and importance: The purpose of this case report is to supplement our knowledge about the neuro-ophthalmological complications of COVID-19 in the form of NAION which might occur even in the early stages of the infection.

Management of unusual missed diagnosis of a Intra-orbital wooden foreign body: A case report and review of literature.

Introduction: Although intra-orbital foreign bodies (IOrFBs) are commonly seen in daily ophthalmology practice, rarely, they can have very unusual clinical presentations, especially nonmetallic FBs. Presentation of case: A 33-year-old male presented with sudden onset right lower lid swelling and tearing. He was initially tolerating the symptoms, however, it got progressively worse, so he came two weeks after the initiation of symptoms. His eye vitals were within normal limit, including the visual acuity of 6/6 OU. Additionally, slit lamp and fundus examinations were benign. Concern was for infectious etiology with unclear source. After a lengthy conversation, he recalled falling on the ground with face down about 16 months ago. However, he stated that he had remained asymptomatic and never went for treatment after the incident. Non-contrast CT of head and orbit showed hyperdense tract in medial aspect of right eye adjacent to the globe, piercing across the bilateral ethmoidal sinuses. Thus, a diagnosis of retained IOrbFB was made. He underwent surgery where a 5cm rotten wood was extracted. Post-surgical course was uncomplicated. Not all penetrating intra-orbital foreign bodies present immediately after the incident. In our case the patient remained asymptomatic for 16 months. Conclusion: Therefore, when dealing with an ocular infection of unclear source, clinicians should ask about distant histories of ocular or facial injuries to assess intraocular foreign bodies.

Optic neuropathy induced by ethambutol: A rare case from Nepal.

Introduction: Ethambutol is a drug used against tuberculosis and causes side effects like problems with vision, which may lead to optic neuropathy. It has a low prevalence of 1% and typically develops after 4-12 months of its medications. Case presentation: Here, we report a case of a 42-year-old male with ethambutol-induced optic neuropathy after six weeks of initiations of ethambutol. Discussion: Nutritional and tobacco/alcohol, ischemia, compressive, demyelinating, and genetic optic neuropathies were all ruled out as differential diagnosis for toxic optic neuropathy. Because our patient did not have vasculopathy and his vision loss was progressive on follow up and bilateral, rather than acute and unilateral, as is more usual with an ischemic disease, ischemic optic neuropathy was ruled out. Finally, because hereditary optic neuropathy usually manifests at a younger age and is expressed in many generations which was not the case in our patient, it was effectively ruled out as the cause of optic neuropathy. Conclusion: This case highlights that ethambutol toxicity is rare in cases of new onset pulmonary tuberculosis where ethambutol has been administered for only 2 months.

Panophthalmitis secondary to retained intraocular foreign body amidst a national lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case series and review of literature.

Introduction: Intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) can be serious as they may result in vision-threatening ocular inflammations and even loss of the eye. Delay in presentation or treatment by more than 24 hours from the time of injury results in a poor prognosis. In penetrating wounds, microorganisms enter the eye through penetrating objects. Both bacterial and fungal organisms are responsible for causing panophthalmitis. At the ocular level, these microorganisms produce irreversible damage which includes keratitis, uveitis, hypopyon, vitreous abscesses, retinal necrosis, detachment, and, finally, panophthalmitis. Case scenarios: In this case series, we report three cases of IOFB presenting with panophthalmitis secondary to delay in seeking medical attention. In our cases, there was a delay in the presentation by more than 24 hours of trauma. All cases had panophthalmitis at the time of presentation. In two cases, the causative organism was coagulase-negative staphylococci and in one case it was staphylococcus. Initially, we planned to manage them with intravitreous, intravenous and topical antibiotics till the inflammation subsides, then IOFB removal surgeries were planned. However, in two cases, the clinical presentation worsens with scleral necrosis. Therefore, they had to undergo evisceration. In one case, the antibiotics therapy was enough without IOFB removal surgery to manage her symptoms. All cases recovered uneventfully after the interventions. Discussion/Conclusion: In developing nations, like Nepal, transportation barriers can affect a person's access to health care services. This can be clearly explained from this case series as limited transportation options in rural regions are a major factor for all patients' delayed presentation to the hospital during the time of national lockdown in the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The concerned authority must pay attention to solving such social determinants of health.

Delayed Visual Loss in a Patient with Snake Bite: Case Report of an Unusual Neuro-Ophthalmic Presentation.

Neurotoxin-related optic neuritis (ON) after snake bite is uncommon. Here, we present a case of a 70-year-old female who developed bilateral painless loss of vision after she received treatment with anti-snake venom (ASV). She had only perception of light on assessment of visual acuity on admission which then improved drastically after administration of intravenous methylprednisolone (MP) after making the provisional diagnosis of ON on the basis of history and clinical findings of the patient. Imaging and visual-evoked potential could not be done initially, and they were done after the administration of intravenous MP which had normal findings. ASV, though being a lifesaving treatment, has been sometimes associated with ON.

Binocular vision findings in normally-sighted school aged children who used digital devices.

PURPOSE: To determine the binocular vision status in normally-sighted school aged children who used digital devices. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at B.P. Koirala Lions Center for Ophthalmic Studies, Kathmandu, Nepal for a duration of one year. One hundred and eighty school aged children (71 female and 109 male) aged 7 to 17 years were included in the study. All the children underwent detailed ophthalmic and binocular vision examinations. The duration of the use of digital devices by the children were asked to either the parents or guardians present at the time of the study. The study participants were divided into two groups: children who used digital devices for the last six months (users group) and those who hadn't used digital devices for the last six months (non users group). The users group was again divided into two subgroups: children who used digital devices for less than 3 hours per day and a day per week (low digital device users subgroup) and children who used digital devices for more than 3 hours per day and all days in a week (high digital device users subgroup). RESULTS: Accommodative amplitudes, accommodative facility, and positive fusional vergence for both near and distance were significantly reduced in the high digital device users group than in the low digital device users subgroup (p <0.01). Stereo acuity, near point of convergence, and negative fusional vergences for both near and distance were not statistically significantly different between the two subgroups. Prevalence of accommodative and vergence anomalies (except convergence insufficiency) was more in the high digital device users subgroup than in the low digital device users subgroup (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Children who used digital devices for a significantly greater amount of time had significantly reduced amplitudes of accommodation, accommodative facility, and positive fusional vergence both at near and distance.

Ocular toxicity among patients taking anti-tubercular treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberculosis remains a major public health problem in Nepal and anti-tubercular drugs used for the treatment of pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis can be associated with ocular toxicity. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the incidence of ocular toxicity among patients receiving anti-tubercular therapy and to assess the change in visual functions and ocular imaging before and after use of anti-tubercular therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 89 eyes of 45 TB patients taking anti-tubercular therapy were enrolled. Detailed history and examination including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), colour vision (Farnsworth D-15t), contrast sensitivity (Pelli-Robson chart), Goldman visual field analysis and spectral domain optical coherence tomography for retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) analysis were assessed at baseline and at 6 months after starting anti-tubercular therapy. Visual evoked potential (VEP) was performed in suspected cases. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 29.13±14.00 years and 62.2% were males. The mean weight of the subjects was 54.37±10.36 kg, mean daily dosage of ethambutol was 17.91±1.74 mg/day/kg and mean administration duration was 2.71±1.54 months. The incidence of ocular toxicity was 2.24%. Bilateral retrobulbar optic neuropathy occurred in a 27-year female of 55 kg receiving ethambutol (20 mg/kg/day) for 6 months for Pott's spine. Her best-corrected visual acuity in both eyes was reduced to 6/36 from 6/6 and developed non-specific color vision defect, decreased contrast sensitivity, bilateral cecocentral visual field defect and mean decrease in retinal nerve fibre layer thickness compared to the baseline data. In rest cases, a statistically significant decrease in mean retinal nerve fibre layer thickness in both eyes suggested the evidence of subclinical toxicity. CONCLUSION: Though less common, ethambutol toxicity can occur in patients under anti-tubercular therapy in the form of retrobulbar optic neuritis. Decreased contrast sensitivity and thinning in the mean retinal nerve fibre layer thickness can be the indicator of subclinical toxicity.

Recurrent Bilateral Optic Neuritis Associated with Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody: A Case Report from Nepal.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is an immune-mediated inflammatory condition involving spinal cord and optic nerves. Diagnosis of NMOSD is done by aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4) in patients with optic neuritis. Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) expressed on the oligodendrocyte cell surface and on the outermost cell surface of the myelin sheath may also be present in patients with NMOSD bilateral optic neuritis. Here, we describe a case of a thirty-nine-year-old-female with recurrent bilateral optic neuritis with positive anti-MOG antibody, and anti-MOG syndrome has not previously been reported from Nepal.

Clinical Assessment and Etiological Evaluation of Optic Nerve Atrophy.

INTRODUCTION: Optic atrophy results from the disease process that cause irreversible damage to the ganglion cells and the anterior visual pathway, but may also result from posterior visual pathway involvement. The etiology causing this condition is vast and regardless of underlying cause it carries bad visual prognosis and at times may be life threatening. The study aims to assess patients with optic nerve atrophy presenting to B.P. Koirala lions centre for ophthalmic studies and identify the underlying etiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive study conducted at B.P. Koirala Lions Centre for Ophthalmic studies. All cases of optic atrophy who presented to our outpatient department from March 2016 to March 2017 were included in the study. In addition to detailed evaluation, assessment of visual acuity, color vision, contrast sensitivity and visual field were done if feasible. Other relevant investigations were conducted to establish the underlying etiological cause. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients were included in the study, with 35 patients having bilateral disease and 27 having unilateral disease accounting for 97 eyes with optic atrophy. The mean age of the affected was 40.63±17.36 years with male to female ratio of 1.2:1. The most common etiology for optic atrophy was traumatic neuropathy (n=16, 25.8%). Majority of eyes had pale disc (n=70, 72.2%) and the rest had temporal pallor (n=27, 27.8%). CONCLUSION: Traumatic optic neuropathy was the most common etiological cause of optic nerve atrophy.

Penetrating Keratoplasty - Indications in a tertiary care center in Nepal.

INTRODUCTION: Penetrating keratoplasty has become one of the most commonly performed transplant procedures where full thickness diseased host corneal tissue is replaced with healthy donor corneal tissue. Aims of penetrating keratoplasty include improvement in visual acuity, removal of infectious load, alleviate pain or even to simply save the anatomy of the eye. Visual improvement and removal of infection is the prime objective of majority of corneal grafts. The objective of the study was to evaluate various current indications of penetrating keratoplasty in central Nepal and its difference from the developed world. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A hospital based study of 36 patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty between January 2014 and June 2015 was carried out at B.P. Koirala Centre for ophthalmic studies. Following clinical examination and investigations, surgical intervention was done when required. The patient data were recorded and followed up. Indication for surgery, investigations and demographic profile were assessed. RESULTS: Mean recipient age was 46.56 years (+/- 16.02 years). The male: female ratio was 1.57:1. The most common indication for penetrating keratoplasty was infectious keratitis (44.44%), followed by corneal opacity or scarring (30.56 %), re-grafts (13.89%),bullous keratopathy (2.78%), keratoconus (2.78%) and others (2.78%) Introduction: Penetrating keratoplasty has become one of the most commonly performed transplant procedures where full thickness diseased host corneal tissue is replaced with healthy donor corneal tissue. Aims of penetrating keratoplasty include improvement in visual acuity, removal of infectious load, alleviate pain or even to simply save the anatomy of the eye. Visual improvement and removal of infection is the prime objective of majority of corneal grafts. The objective of the study was to evaluate various current indications of penetrating keratoplasty in central Nepal and its difference from the developed world. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A hospital based study of 36 patients who underwent penetrating keratoplasty between January 2014 and June 2015 was carried out at B.P. Koirala Centre for ophthalmic studies. Following clinical examination and investigations, surgical intervention was done when required. The patient data were recorded and followed up. Indication for surgery, investigations and demographic profile were assessed. RESULTS: Mean recipient age was 46.56 years (+/- 16.02 years). The male: female ratio was 1.57:1. The most common indication for penetrating keratoplasty was infectious keratitis (44.44%), followed by corneal opacity or scarring (30.56 %), re-grafts (13.89%),bullous keratopathy (2.78%), keratoconus (2.78%) and others (2.78%) Conclusion: Though corneal diseases and indications for transplant surgery in developing countries are different from those in the western world, penetrating keratoplasty has emerged as one of the most successful way to reduce corneal blindness and to restore vision. CONCLUSION: Though corneal diseases and indications for transplant surgery in developing countries are different from those in the western world, penetrating keratoplasty has emerged as one of the most successful way to reduce corneal blindness and to restore vision.

Ocular ischemic syndrome; A case report.

BACKGROUND: Ocular ischemic syndrome is not a common condition so most of these cases are often misdiagnosed or treated as a different entity. Therefore, it is very important for the ophthalmologists to have this condition in mind as a differential so that the patients can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. A 42 years female presented with painless, progressive diminution of vision in right eye over the period of 1 month. She doesn't give any history of redness of eyes, fever or trauma. There is no history of diabetes mellitus or hypertension as well. On examination, vision in right and left eyes was 1.78 and 0.30 Log Mar Units respectively. On anterior segment examination, revascularization of iris (1o 4 'o'clock hrs) in right eye was noted. On dilated fund us copy, revascularization of disc (1/3rd) was present in right eye. Cotton wool spots blot hemorrhages and micro aneurysms were also noted in right eye. Likewise, attenuation of arteries were noted on both sides. Fund us fluorescent angiography revealed delayed artery covetous and venous phase. Carotid Doppler was done which showed complete occlusion of right common carotid and bilateral internal carotid artery. These findings lead to the diagnosis as ocular ischemic syndrome so she was then referred to the cardiologist who further confirmed that no active intervention was required at present. The patient was planned for right eye pan retinal photocoagulation (PRP) and was completed in 2 sittings and was asked to follow up regularly. CONCLUSION: Early diagnosis and management is very important for uncommon conditions such as ocular ischemic syndrome to prevent further complications.

Bilateral viral keratitis following corneal collagen crosslinking for progressive keratoconus.

PURPOSE: Corneal collagen crosslinking has been proven to be a useful technique to slow the progression of keratoconus. With its increasing use, we are encountering rare complications. We describe a case that developed bilateral viral keratitis after corneal collagen crosslinking with riboflavin and ultraviolet A for progressive keratoconus. CASE REPORT: An 18-year-old boy underwent corneal collagen crosslinking in both the eyes at the same setting for bilateral progressive keratoconus. He was discharged with a soft bandage contact lens and asked to follow up in 5 days. Seven days later, the patient returned with severe pain, redness, and photophobia for the last 2 days. The bandage contact lens was removed. There was a central corneal lesion in a branching dendritic pattern in both the eyes and the corneal sensation was reduced. Based on the findings, a clinical diagnosis of bilateral viral keratitis was made. The dendrite healed completely in 10 days with oral and topical acyclovir treatment, and the cornea had a faint scar at 1 month follow-up with best-corrected visual acuity of 6/9 in both eyes with a rigid gas permeable lens. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Ultraviolet A light could be a stimulus to trigger reactivation of latent HSV infections even in patients with no history of clinically evident herpes virus ocular infections. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can have good visual outcome. Prophylactic antiviral medication may be useful to prevent this complication in individuals with prior history of viral keratitis.

Corneal deposition of fluoroquinolones after penetrating keratoplasty: case series.

Purpose: To report three cases of fluroquinolone deposition in the cornea after topical administration post-penetrating keratoplasty. Case reports: Herein we report three patients ranging in age from 42-65 years who underwent keratoplasty with cataract extraction, with intraocular lens implantation in the first two cases and left aphakic due to a posterior capsular tear in the third case. The first two patients received ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone combination drops, and developed drug deposition, which was observed at the first follow-up after 7 and 10 days respectively. The third patient received prednisolone acetate and ofloxacin eyedrops postoperatively, and developed drug deposits in the cornea after 20 days. In all of the three patients, the fluroquinolone group of drugs was discontinued and the cornea cleared gradually over the next 3-4 weeks. Although the cornea cleared, the first two grafts failed due to recurrent viral infection in one case, and graft rejection in the other case. Conclusion: Deposition of many different fluroquinolones in the cornea has been reported after a variety of surgeries, including penetrating keratoplasty. Drug deposition post-penetrating keratoplasty may seem innocuous due to self-resolution on cessation of the drugs, but it may have deleterious effects on graft survival. Hence, fluroquinolones, especially ciprofloxacin, should be cautiously used in patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty if frequent dosing is prescribed or if used concurrently with other topical medications containing preservatives.

Visual Outcome of Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty during the Learning Curve in Initial Fifty Cases.

This study was performed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the first fifty patients who underwent Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) during the 3-month postoperative period and to describe the challenges encountered during the learning curve. In this retrospective study, we reviewed the charts of patients who underwent DMEK. All information regarding patient demographics, indication for surgery, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity at 3 months, donor age, and complications encountered intraoperatively and postoperatively was recorded. Donor endothelial cell count at the time of surgery and during the 3-month follow-up was noted. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 17. Fifty eyes of 49 patients were included in the study with majority being female patients (male : female = 2 : 3). Mean age of patients was 56.8 ± 11.4 years with the age range of 22-78 years. The common indications for DMEK were pseudophakic bullous keratopathy -57.1%, Fuchs endothelial dystrophy-34.7%, failed grafts-6.1% (Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) and failed penetrating keratoplasty), and others. Preoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was <20/400 in 88% cases. Postoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity at 3 months was >20/63 in 41.8% of the cases, and 93% had visual acuity of 20/200 or better. Donor size was 8 mm, and average donor endothelial cell count (ECC) was 2919 ± 253 cells/mm2. Average ECC at 3 months postoperatively was 1750 ± 664 cells/mm2, which showed a 40% decrease in ECC. The most common encountered complication was graft detachment, which occurred in 16% cases for which rebubbling was done. Regular follow-up and timely identification of graft detachment may prevent the need for retransplantation.