CORNEA CARE
Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty – DSEK
DSEK is a partial-thickness transplant for endothelial failure. Diseased inner pump cells are replaced with donor endothelium attached to a thin layer of posterior stroma. The healthy front cornea is retained.
Healthy endothelial cells keep the cornea relatively dehydrated and transparent. When too few cells remain, fluid accumulates and causes morning blur, persistent haze or painful surface blisters. DSEK supplies functioning donor cells while preserving the patient's anterior cornea, provided that permanent front-layer scarring is not the main visual limitation.
The donor disc is unfolded inside the eye and supported against the back of the cornea with air or gas. Early face-up positioning helps attachment. If part of the graft separates, the surgeon may recommend rebubbling rather than replacing it immediately. As the new cells begin pumping fluid, corneal swelling and vision usually improve gradually.
1. When may DSEK be considered?
Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy with visually significant swelling
Bullous keratopathy or endothelial failure after previous eye surgery
A failed endothelial graft when the remaining cornea is suitable
2. How treatment is performed
Confirm endothelial failure
Examination, corneal thickness and endothelial assessment help establish whether swelling is caused by pump-cell loss.
Insert the donor layer
Diseased inner tissue is removed and the folded donor lamella is placed through a small incision.
Attach with an air bubble
An air or gas bubble supports the graft against the back of the cornea; positioning instructions and early checks are important.
3. DSEK in patient terms
The front cornea remains
Selective replacement avoids the large wound and multiple sutures of penetrating keratoplasty.
The graft has some thickness
Its supporting stromal layer can make handling predictable but may limit optical quality compared with an ultra-thin DMEK graft.
Rebubbling may be needed
If the graft detaches, another air injection can be required to restore contact.
4. Risks and recovery
- Possible complications include graft detachment, rejection, failure, infection, raised pressure and retinal problems
- Vision usually improves as swelling clears, but recovery and final clarity vary
- Urgent review is needed for redness, pain, light sensitivity or worsening vision
Why choose Perfect Vision Laser Eye Hospital, Jaipur?
- Led by Dr. Virendra Agrawal, MD (Ophthalmology), AIIMS New Delhi, with a full-time specialist team
- Diagnosis-first approach with advanced imaging before any recommendation
- Comprehensive eye services available at one Jaipur centre
- Support for patients travelling from across Rajasthan and outside the state
- Cashless Mediclaim assistance, subject to your policy terms
Your specialists
Dr. Neha Pathak
Consultant Cornea Specialist. MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology) — Fellowship in Cornea & General Ophthalmology, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai · Experience: 11+ Years of Ophthalmology
Surgical excellence, patient safety, evidence-based decision-making and personalised care — with an emphasis on choosing the right treatment for every individual patient.
Dr. Amit Mishra
Senior Consultant — Cataract, Refractive & Glaucoma. MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology) · Experience: 25+ Years of Ophthalmology
Advanced eye care is a balance of proven surgical technique and ongoing learning. Every patient deserves a careful evaluation, a clear explanation of options and a treatment plan built around their individual vision and eye health.
Dr. Virendra Agrawal
Medical Director & Chief Consultant — Cataract & Refractive Surgery. MD (Ophthalmology), DNB, MNAMS, FAICO (Cataract & Refractive Surgery) — Bodh Raj Sabarwal Gold Medalist (AIIMS, New Delhi) · Experience: 30+ Years of Ophthalmology
Every eye is different. The right procedure is the one that fits your cornea, your lens, your retina and the way you use your vision every day — not the one that is most advertised. Technology supports the decision; it never replaces the clinical evaluation.
Patient reviews from Google
Verified public Google reviews for Perfect Vision Laser Eye Hospital – Dr. Virendra Laser Phaco Surgery Centre, Jaipur. Reviews are individual patient opinions and are not a guarantee of similar results.
“Dr Virendra is absolutely amazing and makes you feel really comfortable. I have visited the centre several times for lens fitting after getting my keratoconus treated by Dr Anita Agarwal, and every time the entire staff was really supportive to get me the perfect RGO le s after keratoconus. Thanks to Dr saab and mam for all the efforts.”
“Best eye hospital in jaipur . Came for Keratoconus treatment and consulted with Dr Neha Pathak the cornea specialist who was very helpful. I got C3R operation done and I am satisfied with the results and professional behaviour of the staff”
“The staff here is absolutely amazing. I had my keratoconus treatment from here and i am very satisfied with it. Now, I am very used toh these great lenses also,I would surely recommend you to visit if you have any problem related to eyes.”
Relevant articles
Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty – DSEK — Jaipur FAQs
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Book an assessment comparing DSEK, DMEK and other suitable approaches.