The cornea is the transparent, outermost layer of the eye. The purpose of the cornea is to focus the vision for greater visual acuity. Unlike most tissues in the eye, the cornea does not have blood vessels for nourishment or protection. Therefore, physicians consider the cornea a highly sensitive tissue. While the cornea is highly susceptible to both damage and disease, there are permanent solutions for those with a corneal eye condition.
Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK)
DSAEK surgery is a surgical procedure used by surgeons to permanently repair a damaged or diseased cornea. In fact, physicians regard the DSAEK procedure as the “gold standard” for the surgical treatment of the cornea, according to Medscape. Prior to the development of the DSAEK procedure, patients with corneal damage or disease would undergo a conventional corneal transplant. Some of the advantages the DSAEK surgery holds over the conventional corneal transplant include:
- Faster visual recovery and rehabilitation
- Lack of sutures in the surface of the cornea
- Less induced astigmatism
- More stability in the ocular surface and globe
How is DSAEK Surgery Performed?
A surgeon will perform DSAEK surgery by creating a tiny incision from the cornea’s temporal side. The location of this incision will give the surgeon excellent visualization and manual access. The surgeon will create another two corneal incisions to serve as access points to the eye’s anterior chamber.
One portion of the DSAEK procedure involves the Descemet’s stripping. For this portion of the procedure, the surgeon will use a reverse Sinskey hook. The surgeon will puncture the thickened Descemet’s membrane and the diseased endothelium with the reverse Sinskey hook. This hook will completely strip away the Descemet’s membrane so that the surgeon can remove the diseased tissue from the anterior chamber of the cornea.
The donor tissue, prepared prior to surgery, is folded using special folding forceps. The surgeon will implant the folded donor tissue into the anterior chamber. The surgeon will then remove any fluid within the eye and manipulate the donor tissue to center it in the eye. Finally, the surgeon will fill the anterior chamber with air to increase pressure, helping the donor tissue adhere to the cornea.
A damaged or diseased cornea can have devastating consequences for one’s vision. Fortunately, the DSAEK procedure is an excellent and permanent solution for patients who need a corneal transplant.
Restore Clarity with Advanced Corneal Care
A damaged or diseased cornea can impact every part of your daily life, but modern treatments like DSAEK surgery offer a path to clearer, more stable vision. With the right diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan, you can protect your eyesight and regain confidence in how you see the world. If you’re experiencing vision changes or have been diagnosed with a corneal condition, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Southwestern Eye Center to explore your options and take the next step toward lasting visual clarity.