Over time, disease or injury can damage the delicate innermost layer of the eye’s cornea, called the endothelium. This damage can cause the cornea to swell and become cloudy, leading to blurred vision. A way to restore vision when the endothelium is damaged is Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty, or DMEK. DMEK is a partial transplant method that uses microscopic incisions to replace just the endothelial layer of cells, instead of the entire cornea. 

If the cornea becomes damaged, light entering the eye is distorted and causes our vision to appear blurry. There are several ways ?that the cornea can become damaged; these may include injury, disease, infection, or a previous eye surgery. Sometimes damage to the cornea is mild enough that it may be repaired to restore vision; however, if damage is more severe a corneal transplant may be necessary.

Keratoconus is the thinning of the cornea the clear dome-shaped outer surface of your eye. Eventually, the cornea bulges outward into a cone shape causing blurred vision, sensitivity to light and difficulty seeing at night. Most commonly affecting individuals between the ages of 10 to 25, the chance of developing it increases if it runs in the family. 

Fuchs’ Dystrophy, is an inherited condition, that affects the endothelium, the delicate innermost layer of the cornea. Fuchs’ Dystrophy occurs when the endothelial cells gradually deteriorate over time. Once lost, these endothelial cells do not grow back, leading to corneal clouding, swelling, and impaired vision. 

Reference project #4105 (Doctor Holland) for surgical clip.