NEW PROCEDURE FOR CORNEAL TRANSPLANTS

PRESS RELEASES   1/22/2018

Ophthalmologist, Jennifer Murray, MD, is now offering patients the latest technique in corneal transplant procedures-DMEK. DMEK, Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty, and DSAEK, Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty, are primary corneal transplant techniques used to restore vision when the inner cell layer stops working properly due to disorders and diseases such as Fuchs’ dystrophy, or other endothelial disorders. DMEK, is the latest procedure technique for patients undergoing a corneal transplant. During the DMEK procedure, the diseased layer of the cornea is replaced with thin, specially prepared donor tissue, leaving healthy areas intact. As compared to DSAEK, DMEK is said to boast a faster visual recovery and yield improved visual acuity- providing 3 out of 4 patients with vision 20/25 or better compared to 20/30 or better with DSAEK. The graft rejection rate with DMEK is also significantly less, at less than 1%, compared to 12% with DSAEK. “The ophthalmic community is seeing better visual outcomes than the former full-thickness corneal transplants, and we believe DMEK will provide even better overall results than the current procedure DSAEK. Patients are experiencing faster visual recovery, less chance of corneal graft rejection, and much clearer vision,” states Jennifer Murray, MD. As with all procedures, patients must qualify as a candidate for DMEK. Dr. Murray recommends discussing the most beneficial procedure options and determining the optimal time to perform surgery for the best results. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call The Eye Institute at Medical Center Clinic, at 850.474.8436 or visit MCCEyeInstitute.com for more information.