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Cornea Transplant

Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK) is a specialized surgical procedure used to treat certain types of corneal diseases, particularly those that affect the innermost layer of the cornea, called the endothelium. Here’s an overview:

What is DSEK?

  • It involves replacing the damaged or diseased endothelial layer with healthy donor tissue.

  • Unlike a full-thickness corneal transplant (penetrating keratoplasty, or PK), DSEK is a partial-thickness procedure, meaning only the affected layer is replaced, leaving the majority of the cornea intact.

When is it performed?

DSEK is commonly used to treat conditions such as:

Pseudophakic Bullous Keratopathy

  • Corneal edema because of cataract related complication.

Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy

  • A hereditary condition where the endothelial cells gradually deteriorate.

Corneal Edema

  • Swelling of the cornea due to endothelial cell dysfunction.

Procedure Overview

Failed Previous Corneal Transplant

  • To correct issues from earlier procedures.

Preparation

Donor Tissue

Implantation

Healing

  • The surgeon removes the damaged endothelial layer and Descemet’s membrane (a thin layer between the cornea and the endothelium).

  •  thin disc of healthy corneal tissue, containing a new Descemet’s membrane and endothelial layer, is prepared from a donor.

  • The donor tissue is inserted into the eye and positioned against the back of the cornea using an air or gas bubble.

  • The bubble helps hold the new tissue in place until it adheres naturally.

Advantages of DSEK

  • Faster recovery time compared to full-thickness transplants.

  • Smaller incision, reducing the risk of complications like infection.

  • Stronger structural integrity of the cornea.

  • Fewer sutures or none, leading to less post-operative discomfort.

Recovery and Risks

  • Recovery time is typically a few weeks to months for full visual improvement.

  • Potential risks include graft failure, dislocation of the graft, or rejection.

If you’re considering or preparing for DSEK, feel free to ask for more details on the procedure, recovery tips, or outcomes.

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