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Cultured Human Corneal Endothelial Cell Injection Therapy in Phakic Eyes with Bullous Keratopathy
Rintaro Ogino1, Akira Kobayashi2, Mariko Shirane3
1Department of Ophthalmology, International University of Health and Welfare Ichikawa General Hospital, Chiba, Japan; Department of Ophthalmology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|July 24, 2026
Summary
Cultured human corneal endothelial cell (cHCEC) injection therapy shows promise for treating bullous keratopathy (BK) in phakic eyes. This lens-preserving option improved vision and corneal thickness with no significant complications over six months.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Corneal Surgery
Background:
- Bullous keratopathy (BK) presents challenges in phakic eyes, where traditional endothelial keratoplasty may risk cataract progression.
- Cultured human corneal endothelial cell (cHCEC) injection therapy offers a potential alternative to preserve the natural lens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of cHCEC injection therapy in phakic eyes with BK.
- To assess visual acuity, corneal thickness, endothelial cell density, intraocular pressure, and cataract progression post-treatment.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter retrospective interventional case series.
- Involved five phakic eyes from five patients with BK undergoing cHCEC injection therapy.
- Follow-up was conducted over six months, measuring key ophthalmic parameters.
Main Results:
- Significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and reduction in central corneal thickness (CCT) were observed.
- Corneal clarity improved and remained stable; endothelial cell density (ECD) became measurable post-treatment.
- No significant intraocular pressure changes or complications, including cataract progression, were noted.
Conclusions:
- cHCEC injection therapy demonstrated favorable short-term outcomes in phakic eyes with BK.
- This therapy is a promising lens-preserving option for BK.
- Larger controlled studies with extended follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.
