Who is a suitable candidate for DSAEK?
Patients who have corneal pathology located in the endothelial layer may be suitable to undergo this technique. The cells which allow the nourishing fluid from inside the eye to circulate into the cornea are called endothelial cells. When these cells become damaged through complicated cataract surgery or inherited disease, the cornea may over hydrate and become cloudy. This impairs vision to the extent where eye surgery is necessary. Additionally, patients with endothelial rejection and bullous keratopathy are suitable candidates for DSAEK eye surgery.
What does a DSAEK procedure entail?
DSAEK eye surgery stands for Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty. The procedure starts with the patient lying beneath a specially developed microscope, with a topical (eye drop) anaesthetic applied directly to the eye. This quick sedation ensures that the patient feels no pain during the procedure.
There are two parts to this procedure. The first is to remove the unhealthy or compromised endothelial cells from the eye, as well as the attached Descemet’s membrane through a very small incision in the side of the cornea. Once this is completed, the damaged corneal tissue is replaced with healthy donor corneal tissue from the eye bank. The entire eye operation can be completed in about 30 minutes.
The donor tissue must be prepared for induction into the patient’s cornea. The donor corneal tissue is machine cut which greatly enhances visual recovery in the patient as the tissue has a smooth surface.
When the procedure is complete, the incision is closed using two or three sutures. This operation uses fewer sutures than the traditional PKP operation. The patient is sent home after the procedure and called for a follow-up appointment the next day.
How long does recovery take?
As with any surgery, recovery speeds vary. The severity of the cloudiness of the cornea prior to surgery influences recovery time. However, DSAEK surgery has much quicker recovery times than Penetrating Keratoplasty (PKP) procedures. Many patients notice an improved vision within the first two weeks after surgery, while most find continued improvement during the next four to six weeks. Where conventional corneal transplant surgery (PKP) recovery usually takes up to a year, DSAEK eye surgery patients have functional vision within a few months.
Tygervalley Eye and Laser Centre offers effective and reputable eye surgery in the picturesque setting of Cape Town. For more information on the DSAEK eye operation and other surgery options, visit us at www.eyelaserclinic.co.za.
Contact details:
Bernadine Rogers
Phone no: 021 9100 300
http://www.eyelaserclinic.co.za/
