(DSEK/DSAEK) DESCEMENTS STRIPPING ENDOTHELIAL KERATOPLASY This exciting new surgery has been developing in popularity over the past decade and in August of 2006 Dr. Mellgren began performing this surgery and it has been a total blessing.  It is replacement of the inner two layers of the cornea instead of a full thickness corneal transplant.  This surgery best suits people with FUCH”S CORNEAL DYSTROPHY and anyone who has had prior eye surgery with resulting corneal swelling.  It is not good for people with anterior corneal pathology.  (Anterior lamellar corneal transplant is the promising treatment for anterior defects.)  

 

The post op recovery depends on the amount of corneal swelling present at the time of surgery and on the health of the donor tissue as well as its handling during surgery.  Some of the patients can see 20/40 (which is driving vision) in just two months while in other cases that may take about 6-8 months.  Either way that is much faster rehabilitation than with traditional full thickness corneal transplant.  Another added benefit is that the cornea retains it normal shape and there will be less astigmatism post operatively compared to traditional surgery.