Pilot Study of Inverted Femtosecond Laser-Assisted DSAEK for Treating Fuchs Endothelial Dystrophy and Pseudophakic Bullous Keratopathy

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate clinical and anatomical outcomes of a corneal transplant technique called DSAEK, using grafts prepared with a Femto LDV laser from the endothelial side. The study focuses on patients with corneal conditions like Fuchs endothelial dystrophy and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, where the corneal endothelium is damaged. It explores how this method may improve vision and graft smoothness compared to traditional transplant surgeries. The procedure involves creating an ultrathin graft of about 100 micrometers in thickness and 7.5 mm diameter using the Femto LDV Z8 laser. The graft is inverted and placed with the endothelial side up inside the eye. It is coated with Viscoat to protect the cells, then inserted through a small corneal incision after the damaged Descemets membrane is removed. An air bubble is used to press the graft into place for 10 minutes. Participants will be monitored for up to 6 months after surgery. Researchers will assess best-corrected visual acuity and endothelial cell count at 3 and 6 months. Additional measurements include central corneal thickness and donor endothelial thickness. The study also examines the anatomical smoothness of the graft interface to understand healing and graft quality. This pilot study is led by Dar El Oyoun Hospital and does not involve masking or placebo groups.

Endothelial Side Up Inverted Femtosecond Laser Assisted DSAEK