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What is DSEK?

DSEK, short for Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty, is a groundbreaking corneal transplantation technique. If your cornea is cloudy, damaged, or injured, the eye doctor can remove and replace the damaged parts of the cornea with healthy donor tissues. Unlike traditional corneal transplantation techniques, the DESK technique can be performed after removing an extremely thin layer of the patient’s cornea, ensuring faster and better healing. DSEK corneal transplantation restores optimal vision and minimizes the recovery time.

The endothelium pumps located at the back of the cornea release fluid to keep the cornea clear, ensuring optimal visual clarity. When the endothelium pump cells get damaged or stop working, the cornea becomes cloudy and starts swelling, leading to distorted and blurry vision. The DSEK cornea transplant involves replacing the damaged endothelium pump cells instead of the entire cornea, thereby restoring optimal visual clarity. The procedure only involves a small incision, so the risk of complications is minimal.

When is DSEK Performed?

The DSEK corneal transplantation technique involves removing the innermost layer of the endothelium and the Descemet’s membrane from the cornea. Since this procedure only targets the innermost endothelium, it’s only suitable for patients with eye conditions that affect the endothelium, such as Fuchs’ dystrophy, traumatic injury to the cornea, or previous eye surgeries that affect the endothelium. If you are diagnosed with any of the conditions mentioned above, you might be a suitable candidate for DSEK corneal transplantation.

The following signs and symptoms indicate you may need a DSEK cornea transplant:

  • Blurry vision at all distances
  • Blurry vision when looking at distant objects
  • Double vision
  • Light streaks in your vision
  • Cloudy vision
  • Eye pain and discomfort

Your DSEK Cornea
Transplant Experience

Medical Surgical Eye Institute performs a highly personalized DSEK cornea transplant after a thorough evaluation of your specific condition. The eye doctor administers numbing eyedrops and a mild sedative to ensure comfort. The inner lining of the patient’s cornea (endothelium) is carefully removed via an extremely small incision, following which a thin, circular corneal disc from a donor is placed inside the eye. The structure of the cornea is left untouched, and there’s no need for sutures. The procedure concludes within 45 minutes.

Recovery After DSEK
Corneal Transplantation

After DSEK corneal transplantation, you will be asked to lie flat on your back and stare up at the ceiling for as long as possible. Maintaining this position will ensure the corneal graft remains in place, held up by the air bubbles. You will have to take some antibiotic eyedrops to prevent infections and promote optimal healing. You can resume most of your daily activities and work after 48 hours. Your vision will gradually improve within a week, and 80% of the healing will conclude within a month.

Schedule an Appointment

Medical Surgical Eye Institute is a premier eye care center specializing in cutting-edge diagnostic solutions and treatments for eye problems. Our medical providers use the latest corneal imaging techniques to curate a personalized treatment plan. We use the least invasive techniques possible to ensure optimal healing with minimal side effects. If you have blurry vision, double vision, or other symptoms of corneal problems, please schedule an appointment to explore your corneal transplantation options.

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Consultation

Contact Us (508) 853-2020