I had DMEK surgery 3 years ago after suffering with Fuch's for decades (no pain, but lights against a dark background were surrounded with halos, and colors were dull). Best decision I've ever made. I was given basically the same advice and I followed it as faithfully as I could, and the results were great--both in the doctor's opinion and my own. I had an additional restriction: I live near Prescott, Arizona about a mile above sea level. I had to travel to Phoenix for the DMEK procedure, the nearest place that offered it. Because of the altitude difference, I had to wait 5 days before returning home--otherwise the bubble holding the transplant in place would expand and possibly burst with the change in altitude and reduced pressure. I don't like to think about that collateral damage. Even with that inconvenience, I couldn't be happier with the result. My corrected vision is 20-20, I don't require glasses to drive, and the best part is the halos are gone, and colors are bright and vibrant again!
hi Dr maloof , I had dmek 3 weeks ago my vision was ok before i had it done but they done it because i have Fuchs' dystrophy i had it done in in royal victoia in dunlin ireland i had left eye done on 22 july four days after the op my vision was getting back close to wear it was but on day five it got worse and has been declining since my vision is terrible in morning and over they course of the day improves a little , i was in on monday for appointment and they said there is a small lift on very bottom of graft thats not attached but its very small not to worry .. is it normal to have such bad sight 3 weeks in, as 4 days after the op my eyesight was better, now it has degraded alot but they are telling me not to worry any advice would i would be gratefull Thanks jason
Hi Jason. Fluid can seperate the DMEK from the cornea causing non adherence. This happened to every DMEK surgeon. I rebubble with air or gel if it doesn’t clear within 2-3 weeks. That usually fixes it.
It is very successful, especially when compared to a full corneal transplant. As with everything, there are no guarantees in life. Is this a proposed procedure you are thinking about undertaking?
I had DMEK surgery 3 years ago after suffering with Fuch's for decades (no pain, but lights against a dark background were surrounded with halos, and colors were dull). Best decision I've ever made. I was given basically the same advice and I followed it as faithfully as I could, and the results were great--both in the doctor's opinion and my own. I had an additional restriction: I live near Prescott, Arizona about a mile above sea level. I had to travel to Phoenix for the DMEK procedure, the nearest place that offered it. Because of the altitude difference, I had to wait 5 days before returning home--otherwise the bubble holding the transplant in place would expand and possibly burst with the change in altitude and reduced pressure. I don't like to think about that collateral damage. Even with that inconvenience, I couldn't be happier with the result. My corrected vision is 20-20, I don't require glasses to drive, and the best part is the halos are gone, and colors are bright and vibrant again!
Well done. DMEK is one of my favourite procedures.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for your concise but informative explanation of the do's and don'ts after DMEK surgery.
Thank you! The hope is we make the surgical journey as smooth as possible for the patients.
really good info
Glad you think so!
Success rate if you have fuchs, ive had mine rebubbled.
DMEK should attach with rebubbling. If it doesn’t, 2 possible causes include primary failure, or transplant is upside down.
Good morning - how long after cornea transplant the thread stitches are removed plse? Thank u
Generally theses are long term and every case is different. Regular checkups with your surgeon are vital to monitor the sutures.
hi Dr maloof , I had dmek 3 weeks ago my vision was ok before i had it done but they done it because i have Fuchs' dystrophy i had it done in in royal victoia in dunlin ireland
i had left eye done on 22 july four days after the op my vision was getting back close to wear it was but on day five it got worse and has been declining since my vision is terrible in morning and over they course of the day improves a little , i was in on monday for appointment and they said there is a small lift on very bottom of graft thats not attached but its very small not to worry .. is it normal to have such bad sight 3 weeks in, as 4 days after the op my eyesight was better, now it has degraded alot but they are telling me not to worry any advice would i would be gratefull
Thanks jason
Hi Jason.
Fluid can seperate the DMEK from the cornea causing non adherence. This happened to every DMEK surgeon.
I rebubble with air or gel if it doesn’t clear within 2-3 weeks.
That usually fixes it.
What's the success rate of DMEK surgery Dr. Maloof ? Thank you
It is very successful, especially when compared to a full corneal transplant. As with everything, there are no guarantees in life. Is this a proposed procedure you are thinking about undertaking?
Thank you Anthony. They are trying to get my eyes healthy enough to do cataract and decide what to do for the Fuchs I have.
Amazing, good luck!
How can I stop blinking?
Close your eyes.