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Since many individuals requiring corneal transplants have conditions only affecting a portion of the cornea, these partial thickness, or Selective Transplantation procedures are recommended. DSEK (Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty) and DMEK (Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty) are both procedures that offer selective transplantation of the endothelial portion of the cornea. Fuch’s Dystrophy is the most common reason why our surgeons perform DSEK or DMEK. People with Fuch’s Dystrophy have an accelerated loss of their own endothelial cells, which are the cells responsible for maintaining the clarity of the cornea. When these cells go away prematurely, the body is not able to replace them and the vision becomes cloudy and distorted. Only this inner, damaged layer of the cornea is replaced with the Selective Endothelial Transplantation. Compared to a traditional full-thickness corneal transplant, this procedure, which requires minimal suturing (stitches), allows more rapid visual restoration, less discomfort, and a reduced risk of sight-threatening complications. Visual recovery is faster after DSEK or DMEK. Within four to six weeks, most patients can see well and full visual recovery takes up to 3 months, instead of 12 months or more. The eye is also left much stronger and more resistant to injury.
