Making the transition from PK to DSEK: experiences during the learning curve

Abstract

To report our experiences during the transition from penetrating keratoplasty to Descemet's stripping with endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK). All patients undergoing DSEK during the period of April 2008 to April 2009 were included in this study. All grafts were attached and clear at both the 6- and 12 -month follow-up examinations. Mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0.6 at 6 months and 0.7 at 12 months for patients without other ocular comorbidity. With adequate attention to detail, DSEK seems to be a safe and successful treatment for corneal endothelial disease, also during the surgeon's learning curve.