Cultured endothelial cell therapy restored corneal transparency in all treated eyes within 24 weeks, significantly improving best-corrected visual acuity.

Corneal diseases affect millions of individuals annually, with approximately 12.7 million people worldwide awaiting corneal transplants for conditions such as Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy and bullous keratopathy. Full-thickness corneal transplants have been the standard treatment for corneal endothelial dysfunction. Recent advancements in endothelial cell transplantation present alternatives that may be safer and less invasive.

Techniques such as pre-loaded Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) have demonstrated faster visual recovery, better long-term visual outcomes, and fewer complications compared to traditional full-thickness corneal transplants. Studies have suggested that DMEK may present a lower risk profile than other methods.

A retrospective study, published in Ophthalmology Management, evaluated 33 patients who underwent DMEK between 2009 and 2012 for endothelial dysfunction. The study reported significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity, which remained stable up to 10 years postoperatively.

Emerging techniques such as cultured endothelial cell (CEC) therapy have also been investigated. This therapy involves injecting cultured cells from a healthy donor into the patient’s anterior chamber, where they form a new endothelial layer and restore corneal transparency.

“Prior to this century, penetrating keratoplasty was our only option for treating patients with corneal diseases and injuries. The number of options now at our disposal has multiplied in just the past two decades,” noted the study authors.

Full disclosures can be found in the study.