Unexpected corneal endothelial cell decompensation after intraocular surgery with instruments sterilized by plasma gas.
PURPOSE: Ten cases of unexpected corneal endothelial cell decompensation occurring after routine intraocular surgery using instruments sterilized with a new plasma gas protocol are described. DESIGN: A retrospective observational case series with 1 year of follow-up was conducted. RESULTS: All patients had corneal decompensation and nonreactive pupils after surgery. Six patients required penetrating keratoplasty. Three patients partially recovered pupillary function. Visual acuity at 1 year ranged from 20/20 to hand motion (HM). One patient with an anterior chamber intraocular lens (ACIOL) experienced optic atrophy and HM vision despite resolution of corneal edema. CONCLUSIONS: Toxic corneal endothelial cell destruction syndrome was associated with the introduction of plasma gas sterilization protocols.