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Advanced Corneal Surgery

Endothelial Corneal Transplant:
Restore Clarity, Retain Strength

A revolutionary approach to treating corneal swelling. Unlike traditional transplants, Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK) replaces only the damaged inner layer—leaving the rest of your eye intact for faster, safer recovery.

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Dr. Amrita Mukherjee - Cornea Specialist
Dr. Amrita Mukherjee
Cornea & Transplant Specialist (LVPEI Alumni)

Understanding the "Endothelium"

The cornea is like a 5-layer sandwich. The innermost layer, the Endothelium, acts as a pump, keeping fluid out of the cornea to keep it clear.

When these cells fail (due to Fuchs' Dystrophy or post-cataract swelling), the cornea swells and vision becomes cloudy. Endothelial transplant replaces just this pump layer, not the whole cornea.

Fig 1: The Endothelium is the single inner layer responsible for keeping the cornea clear.

The Procedures

DSAEK vs. DMEK: The Advanced Options

We offer both types of partial transplants tailored to your eye's condition.

Visualizing the difference: DMEK grafts are paper-thin, offering faster vision recovery.

DSAEK

Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty

Replaces the endothelium + a thin layer of supporting tissue. It is easier to transplant and highly successful for complex eyes.

  • Proven track record
  • Good for eyes with previous surgeries

DMEK

Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty

Replaces only the endothelium membrane (ultra-thin). Offers the fastest visual recovery and lowest rejection risk.

  • Near-perfect anatomical restoration
  • Better vision quality

How is the Surgery Performed?

A suture-less (stitch-free) technique using an air bubble.

01

Removal

Through a tiny incision, the damaged endothelial layer is peeled off.

02

Insertion

The healthy donor graft is folded and gently inserted into the eye.

03

Unfolding

An air bubble is injected to unfold the graft and press it against your cornea.

04

Bonding

You lie on your back for a few hours while the air bubble bonds the graft naturally. No stitches needed.

Dr Amrita Mukherjee - Cornea Specialist SGVEH
Cornea & Microsurgery Director

Dr. Amrita Mukherjee (Fellow LVPEI)

Dr. Amrita Mukherjee is a leading Cornea Specialist with over 15 years of experience. Trained at the prestigious L.V. Prasad Eye Institute, she specializes in advanced lamellar keratoplasty (DSAEK/DMEK), eliminating the need for full transplants in many cases.

✔️ DSAEK & DMEK ✔️ Keratoconus Management ✔️ Corneal Trauma ✔️ Complex Cataracts

Frequently Asked Questions

Because we don't cut the whole cornea, the eye remains stronger (structurally intact). There are fewer/no stitches, faster visual recovery (weeks vs. months), and less risk of rejection.
No. It is performed under local anesthesia. You are awake but the eye is numb. Post-surgery discomfort is mild and feels like a speck of dust in the eye for a few days.
With proper care and steroid drops, endothelial grafts can last 10 years or more. Rejection rates for DMEK are extremely low (less than 1%).