DSEK

The cornea is the optical window of the eye and must remain clear to maintain good vision. When the endothelium, the inner cell layer of the cornea, stops working the cornea becomes cloudy. Dr. Mack is specially trained in a new cornea transplant technique which replaces only the damaged cell layer instead of replacing the entire thickness of the cornea. With this new technique, known as Descemet’s Stripping with Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK) the cornea heals much faster and stronger and the patient’s visual recovery is simpler. DSEK is Dr. Mack’s preferred method of treatment for eligible patients with Fuchs’ dystrophy and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy.

The basic DSEK technique consists of gently stripping off the diseased cell layer lining the inner surface of the cornea. A donor cornea is thinly sliced and the inner portion is folded in half for insertion through a small incision made in the white part of the eye. Dr. Mack injects an air bubble into the eye to unfold the donor tissue and press it up into place. The natural pumping action of the donor endothelial cells quickly creates suction, which bonds the donor tissue to the recipient cornea.

(left)-Temporary air bubble holding posterior graft donor tissue in place eliminating the need for sutures

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