Help, please!

[russell_anderson]

Thanks again, Anne. I'll have a look at the site as I don't think I'm out of the woods yet re the Dystrophy because I still have all of the symptoms some of which don't relate to Cataracts as far as I can tell. For example, the feeling of grit in my eyes. However, at least the Consultant has recognised the possibility that surgery might be necessary and thinks that DSEK will produce a complete cure. If I do need that, I will have to retire as it seems as though for that we're talking more in terms of months recovery than the few days for cataracts!

[GrandPaClanger]

Hi Russell
Thanks for the post hope all goes well in the new year. I read your post a while back but it was an interesting read again in light of my recent visit to the hospital. Are you still having to have it done privately ? It wasn't something that the consultant mentioned in clinic so I assumed it would be done on the NHS. Maybe it's a conversation he has planned when we see what I am left with after the sutures are removed

All the best

Ian

[Rosiejoy]

I read that a new version of corneal transplant, known as Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK),is a new surgical method that uses only a very thin portion of the cornea for transplant. It was reported that The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) in 2009 endorsed DSEK as superior to the more conventional full-thickness corneal transplant procedure (penetrating keratoplasty) for better vision outcomes and stability, as well as fewer risk factors. There is also a new technique that some surgeons have adopted in recent years for corneal transplants involves use of a femtosecond laser to create precise incisions that do not damage surrounding tissue. Hope this helps.

[Anne Klepacz]

Thanks Rosiejoy. Just to clarify, the DSEK graft is used for Fuchs Dystrophy where the problems are with the endothelium (the back layer of the cornea). In KC, many people how have a different type of partial graft, the DALK, which replaces all the layers EXCEPT the endothelium.
Anne