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