The cornea is the anteriormost clear part of the the eye. For the cornea to remain clear, a layer of cells on the inside has to constantly remove fluid from it. In Fuchs corneal dystrophy, that layer of cells is starting to lose function causing the cornea to swell and get cloudy. In DSEK, a form of corneal transplantation, only that innermost layer carrying cells from a donor is replaced. Compared with transplantation of the full thickness cornea, recovery time is shortened and eventual visual outcome tends to be improved. I provide this surgery at Georgetown University Hospital, while it is an ambulatory surgery procedure, many patients elect to stay in Georgetown for the night to avoid the travel back and forth for the next days postoperative appointment.
