Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK)
DMEK is the newest form of a partial-thickness corneal graft operation. Only the inside lining of the cornea (consisting of a single membrane and layer of cells) is replaced. The new layer is transplanted is only 0.01mm thick and this surgery allows the near perfect restoration of the normal anatomy of the eye. The advantage of DMEK over DSAEK is the better quality of vision that can be expected post-operatively, the much faster speed of recovery of vision, and a lower risk of corneal graft rejection. Mr Lam performs DMEK surgery every week with extremely good results.
Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK)
DSAEK is a type of partial-thickness corneal graft operation in which the inside lining of the cornea is replaced. In contrast to DMEK, the new layer that is tranplanted is 0.1mm thick. As the front part of the cornea is not disturbed with DSAEK, the quality of vision that can be achieved is better and the speed of visual recovery is faster than a conventional full-thickness corneal graft (penetrating keratoplasty).
Treatments for Keratoconus
Corneal Collagen Crosslinking
The aim of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking is to strenghthen the cornea to slow or stop the progress of keratoconus. It involves the use of riboflavin eye drops and ultraviolet light. Corneal Collagen Crosslinking has been approved by NICE :http://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/IPG466
Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK)
DALK is a partial thickness transplant where only the abnormally thinned and/or scarred corneal is replaced with healthy donor tissue. The inside lining of the cornea is not replaced thereby reducing the risk of corneal endothelial rejection.