From DMEK to Corneal Endothelial Cell Therapy: Technical and Biological Aspects. (1st August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nuzzi, Raffaele; Marolo, Paola; Tridico, Federico
• Other Names: Mohamed-Noriega Karim Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of ophthalmology. Volume 2018(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-08-01
• Subjects: Ophthalmology -- Periodicals; Eye Diseases; Ophthalmology; Ophthalmology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 617.7
• DOI: 10.1155/2018/6482095
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-004X

Abstract

Abstract : The main treatment available for restoration of the corneal endothelium is keratoplasty and DMEK provides faster visual recovery and better postoperative visual acuity when compared to DSAEK. However, the technical challenges related to this technique and the steep technical learning curve seem to prevent the overcoming of DSAEK in favor of DMEK. Furthermore, the outcome of lamellar keratoplasty techniques is influenced by problems related to corneal grafting tissue availability, management, and quality. On the other hand, improvements in the field of cell engineering have opened the way for the use of stem cells-derived corneal endothelial cells with regenerative intent. In this overview, latest findings in endothelial cell engineering are reported, and perspectives of clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells for corneal endothelial replacement and regeneration are evaluated.