Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty
Description:
DSAEK (pronounced de-sak) is a cornea transplantation surgical procedure that offers the benefits of rapid visual recovery, a smaller incision, with lesser chances of astigmatism when compared to the standard corneal transplant procedure known as penetrating keratoplasty (PKP).
Distinction
The falling endothelium layer of the cornea causes the cornea to become cloudy and swollen in patients suffering from Fuchs Dystrophy.
The layer of cells inside the surface of the cornea is called the endothelium.
Until recently, the practice was to replace the endothelial layer of cells with the full thickness corneal implant.
DSAEK is a technology that replaces only the back layer of the cornea instead of the full thickness.
This provides improved vision and has many inherent advantages over the full thickness transplants.
Benefits include:
- Earlier return of good vision.
- Reduced refractive errors
- Lesser complications
- Stable eye
Suitability
DSAEK is suitable for most cases where cornea transplantation is advised. The final decision on the procedure should be taken in consultation with your eye surgeon.