DSAEK (Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty)
DSAEK is a modern partial-thickness (lamellar) corneal transplant that selectively replaces diseased corneal endothelium and Descemet's membrane with healthy donor tissue containing a thin supportive layer of posterior stroma. It is primarily indicated for corneal endothelial disorders such as Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy when the overlying anterior cornea remains clear and structurally healthy.
DSAEK (Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty)
DSAEK is a modern partial-thickness (lamellar) corneal transplant that selectively replaces diseased corneal endothelium and Descemet's membrane with healthy donor tissue containing a thin supportive layer of posterior stroma. It is primarily indicated for corneal endothelial disorders such as Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy when the overlying anterior cornea remains clear and structurally healthy.
Free Second Opinion
Get connected with a trusted doctor for an expert second opinion through our care team—at no cost.
Symptoms of Corneal Endothelial Dysfunction
The corneal endothelium is responsible for pumping excess fluid out of the cornea to keep it clear. When endothelial cells malfunction or diminish, fluid accumulates in the cornea (corneal edema), leading to characteristic symptoms:
- Morning visual haze or blurriness that gradually clears as the day progresses (classic symptom of early-to-moderate Fuchs' dystrophy)
- Persistent cloudiness, reduced contrast, or washed-out vision as corneal swelling becomes continuous
- Glare, starbursts, or halos around lights, particularly noticeable when driving at night or in bright sunlight
- Ocular foreign body sensation, grittiness, or sharp pain caused by ruptured microscopic fluid blisters (epithelial bullae) on the corneal surface
- Progressive light sensitivity (photophobia) and difficulty reading in low-light environments