DSEK is a type of partial corneal transplant which is performed to treat corneal edema or swelling. Corneal swelling is caused when the layer of the cornea called the endothelium is diseased or damaged, affecting its ability to pump water out of the cornea. When the cornea becomes swollen with fluid, it loses its clarity and patients complain of foggy fision.
The corneal endothelium can be damaged by a number of factors including trauma and some surgical procedures. When there are not enough endothelial cells to prevent swelling of the cornea, vision can become affected. One of the most common causes of cornea edema is a disease of endothelial cells called Fuchs' dystrophy. A predisposition towards developing it is inherited as many family members often show early signs of it when examined closely. As with many dominant genetic diseases, there is an approximately 50% transmission risk to children. In many cases of corneal swelling, only the endothelium is diseased and the remainder of the cornea is healthy.
Correction of corneal swelling used to be performed exclusively
with full thickness corneal transplants.
Now, only the diseased corneal endothelium can be replaced with DSEK. This results in faster healing with few sutures and faster return of vision. There is generally less astigmatism as well with patients who have this partial corneal transplant procedure. Finally there are fewer problems with delayed healing with DSEK as opposed to full corneal tranplantation. Cataract and lens implant surgery can also be performed at the same time as partial corneal transplants. Although the success rate of partial corneal transplants is excellent, full corneal transplants remain an excellent choice for some patients, especially if the corneal damage is severe or other layers of the cornea are diseased.
At Vision Associates, we offer the full range of options for diagnosis and treatment of corneal swelling
and
other corneal disorders. If you have a corneal problem, rest assured we will take a conservative approach and find the best solution to help you.
DSEK is a type of partial corneal transplant which is performed to treat corneal edema or swelling. Corneal swelling is caused when the layer of the 