DSEK (Descemet's Stripping Endothelial
Keratoplasty).
Partial-thickness Corneal Transplantaion
We invite you
to call to have your questions answered or to make an appointment: 480-981-6111.
Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK)
is one of the newest techniques in corneal transplantation. A DSEK
procedure is a partial-thickness corneal transplant that replaces
only the endothelial layer. A thin piece of donor tissue containing
only the endothelial cell layer is inserted onto the back surface
of the patient's cornea. This new technique, where appropriate,
is a significant improvement over the standard corneal
transplantation operation. The surgery itself
takes less time with an experienced eye surgeon, involves a smaller
surgical incision, requires far fewer stitches, heals faster and
more reliably, and the vision returns faster.
Before DSEK  After DSEK There are several advantages to the DSEK operation compared to
standard corneal transplant surgery. Since only the thin inner
layer of the cornea is replaced, over 90% of the patient's
own cornea remains behind contributing to greater structural integrity
and may reduce the incidence of rejection. The smaller incision
offers several benefits over traditional methods of corneal transplant
such as Penetrating Keratoplasty
(PKP).
Because the procedure is less invasive, DSEK leaves the eye much
stronger and less prone to injury than full-thickness transplants.
Additionally, DSEK has a more rapid rate of visual recovery. Vision
is typically restored in one to three months rather than one to
two years.
Who are candidates for DSEK?
Only patients with endothelial cell problems are candidates for
DSEK. Patients with corneal scarring or other conditions will
still require the full-thickness corneal transplantation procedure.
There is a risk of the thin button of endothelium becoming displaced
within the first few days or weeks after surgery and requiring
a return trip to the operating room to reposition it, or
the operation can be repeated with another button of donor endothelium.
If the DSEK fails, either after one or multiple attempts, a traditional
corneal transplant operation can still be performed.
Also see Full-Thickness Corneal Transplant,
PKP (Penetrating Keratoplasty)
If you would like further information, please call our office at:
480-981-6111
The Best Possible Eye Care
The eye surgeons of East Valley Ophthalmology perform the full scope
of advanced technology diagnostic testing and treatment, as well
as taking the time necessary to provide each patient the personal
education needed to fully understand their condition and get the
best possible outcomes for their patients. If you or a family member
or friend have not had a recent eye examination, please
take a moment to Request an Appointment.
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