DSAEK, Keratoplasty

Corneal transplant

The cornea protects the human eye and acts as natural barrier and "external lens". Hence, the cornea is the most important component of the optical system. In case of loss os transparency of the cornea, the amount of light entering the eye is no longer sufficient. This loss of light causes a strong deterioration of sight and can lead to blindness. 
A corneal transplant is often the only way to restore sight. During this procedure the affected cornea is replaced by a healthy cornea coming from a donor. In our Eye Clinic we currently offer the following treatment options and transplants:
 

Laser

With one of the most modern excimer laser we have the possibility to treat superficial scars and irregularities of the cornea. This is the so-called phototherapeutic keratectomy.
 

Keratoplasty (perforating KPL)

Here the defective cornea gets removed completely and replaced by healthy one.

Lamellar keratoplasty

Here only the front part of the cornea gets replaced, e.g. in the case of superficial scars.


DSAEK (deep lamellar keratoplasty)

In case the bottom lyaer of the cornea (the endothelium) is affected, only this layer will be replaced. In recent times, this modern, deep tissue transplant is possible to achieve without sutures and hence provides a faster healing process. This operation can be done both as in- and outpatient.


LaMEK - (Pre-preparred corneal lamallae) for DMEK

Lamellar transplant techniques, especially the Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK), have transformed the area of corneal transplants.

The eyesight of the patient increases faster and the additional trauma previously caused by the sutures of the donour cornea is no longer present.

Transplants

 
Special laboratories carefully analyse donor corneas and test them for congruence with the receiving patients to minimise the risk of rejection. The Eye Clinic Spreebogen cooperates with cornea banks at national (Munich) as well as international level (e.g. San Diego, USA). Those laboratories ensure the quality of the donor materials and coordinate the individual allocation of the transplants to the patient.


Chances of success

Since corneal transplants belong to the most succesful forms of tissue transplant, the likelihood of an increased eyesight afterwards is high. Medication to help avoid rejection only have to be taken temporarily and can mostly be used in the form of eye drops. In straightforward cases of corneal transplants chances of success are more than 90%.
 

Transplant of an artificial iris

Modern artificial implants can be used to treat iris defects in the eye. Goal of the treatment is to reduce the blinding to improve eyesight as well as contrast sensitivity while achieving the best possible cosmetical result.