Lamellar keratoplasty is a corneal transplant surgery that replaces only specific layers of the cornea, preserving healthy tissue. It is less invasive than full-thickness transplants, leading to reduced rejection risk and quicker recovery. This procedure is used to treat conditions like keratoconus and corneal dystrophies.

Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK)

Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK) is a specialized corneal transplant surgery that replaces the front layers of the cornea while preserving the patient's healthy endothelium, the innermost layer. DALK is primarily used to treat conditions like keratoconus and superficial corneal scars, where the deeper corneal layers remain unaffected. By preserving the endothelium, DALK reduces the risk of graft rejection and other complications associated with full-thickness transplants, offering a safer and more effective option for patients with certain corneal diseases.

Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK)

Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) is a type of corneal transplant surgery that specifically targets the endothelium, the innermost layer of the cornea. In DSAEK, the damaged endothelial layer, along with a thin layer of Descemet's membrane, is removed and replaced with healthy donor tissue. This procedure is commonly used to treat conditions like Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy and other forms of endothelial dysfunction. DSAEK is less invasive than traditional full-thickness corneal transplants, leading to faster recovery times, fewer complications, and a lower risk of rejection, making it an effective treatment for endothelial-related corneal diseases.

Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK)

Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) is an advanced corneal transplant technique that replaces only the innermost layers of the cornea: the Descemet's membrane and the endothelium. DMEK is considered the most precise and least invasive of the endothelial keratoplasty procedures, offering excellent visual outcomes and a quicker recovery. It is primarily used to treat endothelial disorders like Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy. By transplanting just a single thin layer of donor tissue, DMEK significantly reduces the risk of graft rejection and other complications, making it a preferred choice for treating endothelial dysfunction in the cornea.