Descemet Stripping without Transplantation in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy

Abstract

Traditionally, corneal endothelium is considered post-mitotic, which means that spontaneous regeneration after loss of endothelial cells (e.g., in the context of Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy) is not expected. Nevertheless, it has been observed in several cases that an edematous cornea can clear after removal of a smaller area of Descemetʼs membrane. The posterior aspect of this area becomes covered again by corneal endothelial cells. This has resulted in a new surgical approach that does not involve a posterior lamellar graft: “Descemet stripping only”. At the same time, data from in vitro experiments suggest that Rho kinase inhibitors (ROCK inhibitors) are pharmacological agents that promote proliferation and migration of corneal endothelium, and thus have a positive influence on healing.

Key words

cornea - keratoplasty - ROCK inhibitor - Descemet stripping - Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy

Publication History

Received: 25 January 2022

Accepted: 09 March 2022

Article published online:
17 May 2022

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