DSAEK, standing for Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty, is a new procedure available to patients who previously required a full corneal transplant.

As with traditional corneal transplant, DSAEK also requires a donor's cornea, but instead of replacing the full thickness, it only requires the replacement of the only one layer of the cornea (Descemet's membrane). This means that this procedure is less invasive and less risky than traditional corneal transplant techniques.

DSAEK has decreased risk of complications during healing, less discomfort, less recovery time with more rapid visual restoration, because it is done through a small incision on the sclera (the white part of the eye) and minimum stitching. While a full thickness corneal transplant could take a year to heal, DSAEK takes only months.

As with all surgeries, there is always a risk of complications during surgery. It is very important to follow the doctor's directions and to go to all appointments.

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