DMEK - Gentle Partial Replacement of the CorneaA groundbreaking advancement for your vision
Until a few years ago, the entire cornea had to be replaced in case of corneal clouding. DMEK (Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty) is a new procedure in which only the innermost layer causing the corneal clouding (endothelium with Descemet membrane) is replaced.
Compared to a classic corneal transplant, the healing phase after surgery is significantly shortened. A noticeable improvement in vision usually occurs within a few weeks after surgery. The only 0.02 millimeter thick cell layer is exchanged during the procedure through a 2.5 millimeter small incision. The new cell layer is pressed against the back of the cornea without contact using an air bubble. The endothelium anchors itself there on its own. A suture is therefore not necessary.
Today, over 80% of corneal transplants can already be performed using this gentle technique. Only in cases where the patient's own cornea has been so altered by remodeling processes and scars that an improvement in vision is not possible through a partial replacement, a full corneal transplant is still necessary.
DMEK - Standard Procedure at the Eye Clinic
Dr. Galal started using the new techniques of gentle partial corneal transplantation more than 10 years ago. The DMEK procedure is therefore used as the standard method at the Eye Clinic for the treatment of corneal clouding where the innermost layer of the cornea is diseased.