[Clinical research progress in endothelial keratoplasty]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Corneal Surgery
• Microsurgery

Background:

• Endothelial keratoplasty (EK) is increasingly preferred over penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) for treating endothelial dysfunction in developed nations.
• EK procedures are recognized for their safety, efficacy, and ability to achieve excellent postoperative vision.
• Continuous advancements in microsurgical technology and instrumentation have led to ongoing improvements in EK surgical techniques and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the characteristics of various endothelial keratoplasty (EK) surgical techniques.
• To compare the postoperative effects and clinical outcomes of different EK methods.
• To discuss the advantages and potential complications associated with EK surgeries in comparison to penetrating keratoplasty (PKP).

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical research on different endothelial keratoplasty (EK) surgical techniques.
• Analysis of characteristics, postoperative effects, and complications of EK procedures.
• Comparison of EK methods including Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK), Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK), Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), and ultra-thin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK).

Main Results:

• Endothelial keratoplasty (EK) has become the primary surgical approach for endothelial dysfunction, surpassing penetrating keratoplasty (PKP).
• Different EK techniques (DSEK, DSAEK, DMEK, UT-DSAEK) offer distinct advantages.
• Ongoing improvements in microsurgical technology enhance the safety and effectiveness of EK procedures.

Conclusions:

• Endothelial keratoplasty (EK) represents a significant advancement in treating endothelial dysfunction, offering superior outcomes compared to PKP.
• The evolution of EK techniques, including DSEK, DSAEK, and DMEK, provides tailored options for patients.
• Further development in microsurgical technology promises continued enhancement of EK efficacy and patient vision restoration.