DSEK – Endothelial Transplant

DSEK (Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty) is a relatively new type of partial-thickness corneal graft operation in which only the inner layers are replaced, instead of the entire thickness of the cornea. DSEK differs from the PK (Penetrating Keratoplasty) procedure, which is a full-thickness cornea transplant.
The DSEK procedure is most appropriate when there is reduced function of the inner endothelial cell layer – causing corneal edema or swelling (edema).

Normally corneal transparency is dependent on the endothelial cells pumping fluid out of the cornea. If the cornea becomes oedematous, the patient’s vision worsens. In severe corneal edema, the surface cell layer (epithelium) develops tiny blisters of fluid between the cells (bullous keratopathy).  When that happens, the patient’s vision becomes even worse and the eye can become painful when the blisters rupture.

Corneal endothelial failure is seen in the genetically determined condition of Fuchs’ corneal endothelial dystrophy, and may also occur following intra-ocular surgery such as cataract extraction.

Meet Dr. Conley

Ryan P. Conley, D.O. is fellowship-trained and board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in corneal transplant procedures at Triad Eye Institute.

He also performs LASIK blade-free vision correction, LenSx laser-assisted cataract surgery and refractive lens implant surgeries.

Dr. Conley is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Osteopathic College of Ophthalmology Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, American Osteopathic Association, and Oklahoma Osteopathic Association.