Partial Cornea Transplant (DSEK)

Specialized in partial cornea transplant

BayCare Clinic Eye Specialists performs partial cornea transplant surgery, also known as DSEK.

A partial cornea transplant involves the rear two layers of the cornea, which are, Descemet’s membrane and the endothelium. This also is known as a DSEK procedure, or Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty.

Who needs a partial cornea transplant?

People with endothelial disease such as Fuchs dystrophy or corneal edema may benefit from a partial cornea transplant.

What is the partial cornea transplant procedure?

The decision to have partial cornea transplant surgery comes after consulting with an ophthalmologist.

People needing a partial cornea transplant are put on a waiting list at a local eye bank. There usually is a short wait for the appropriate donor tissue to become available.

What does partial cornea transplant surgery involve?

Partial cornea transplants are typically done as an outpatient procedure. The surgery takes 1 to 2 hours.

People having partial cornea transplant surgery are sedated and will not be able to see in the affected eye during the procedure.

In some cases, cataract surgery can be done at the same time as a partial cornea transplant surgery.

What happens after partial cornea transplant surgery?

Recovery from partial cornea transplant surgery typically takes 4 to 6 months. People who have a partial cornea transplant typically experience fewer complications than those who have a full cornea transplant, including a reduced risk of astigmatism.

After a partial cornea transplant, the cornea becomes more stable, making the eye less susceptible to injury. People who have a partial cornea transplant typically see a significant improvement in their vision over time, often with vision of 20/40 or better.