Removal of a layer of cells in a common eye disease can eliminate the need for corneal transplantation - an expensive and complex procedure with severe complications.

On the bright prospects for patients reported by the University of Chicago.

Most patients with corneal endothelial dystrophy who underwent the procedure for "undressing" the Descemet's shell - removing a thin layer of cells - regained their vision to some extent.

A highly accurate procedure, masterfully performed by ophthalmic surgeons at the University of Chicago Medical Center, saved most of them from transplantation.

Endothelial dystrophy of the cornea, or Fuchs's dystrophy is the most common cause of corneal transplantation in the US. In 2015, according to this indication, there were 14 000 transplants.

A huge disadvantage is the lifelong use of eye drops with glucocorticoids to prevent the rejection of a new cornea. These eye drops increase the likelihood of infections, cataracts and glaucoma in the future.

When the Descemet's membrane is "undressed", one of the layers of cells inside the cornea is carefully removed, which makes it possible for the surrounding tissues to recover. After the procedure, healthy cells from the periphery rush to the center of the cornea, resulting in a normal exchange of fluid and nutrients, gradually returning vision.

"It's too early to say that this is a healing. We conducted the first procedure just 2 years ago. But when it works, it's just amazing. The procedure is fast, inexpensive, and protects patients from unnecessary local immunosuppression, "says Dr. Kathryn Colby, Head of the Ophthalmology and Eye Sciences Department at the University of Chicago.

In the professional journal Cornea, Dr. Colby described her experience of innovative treatment of Fuchs's dystrophy.

Over the past 2 years, 11 patients aged 51 to 91 years were undergoing the procedure, in total 21 eyes were operated. In 18 of 21 cases, in only six months, a significant recovery of vision was achieved, abandoning the proposed transplantation.

Western experts have already called the method of Dr. Kobly revolutionary, and they have a great future for him. However, before its introduction into clinical practice it is necessary to pass through years of tests.

medbe. en.