Experience supports the good results of corneal endothelial transplants

Miranza specialists are at the forefront of corneal endothelial transplants using the state-of-the-art DMEK technique, providing a quicker recovery and improved vision.

Replacing only the affected layers of the cornea, as opposed to transplanting the entire tissue, has become a reality for numerous patients who have already benefited from this advanced ophthalmological technique.

“In many cases requiring a corneal transplant, only the endothelium, the innermost layer of the cornea, which is only 15-20 microns thick, is affected. Thanks to the DMEK technique (Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty), we can perform a corneal endothelial transplant while preserving over 90% of the patient’s own cornea,” explains Dr. Jorge Álvarez, a specialist at Miranza Clínica Muiños in these surgeries.

As the ophthalmologist adds, “compared to complete corneal transplants, DMEK is less invasive and offers a faster recovery. Moreover, visual quality can be fully recovered, whereas the risk of rejection, usually low in corneal transplants, is reduced even further.”

Dr. Óscar Gris, a specialist at IMO Grupo Miranza, points out that “these advantages can also be extended to corneal transplants in which we only replace the anterior part of the cornea, while preserving the endothelium intact, when it is not damaged.”

Pioneers in Corneal Endothelial Transplants in Spain

To embrace corneal endothelial transplants and other selective transplants, having sophisticated surgical technology is as important as having expert ophthalmologists who have overcome the learning curve required to perform these techniques precisely. Therefore, at Miranza, we incorporate the most advanced clinics in each community.

Our group of over 60 cornea specialists comprises leading experts in transplantations, such as Dr. Álvarez or Dr. Gris. Their collaborative work allows us to share knowledge and bring cutting-edge practices in eye health closer to our patients throughout Spain.

When is a Corneal Transplantation Necessary?

As the “window” of the eye, allowing light to pass into the eyeball to focus images, the good condition of the cornea is essential for good vision. This implies maintaining the cornea’s transparency and regularity.

One of the main causes of corneal transplantation in the Western world, specifically corneal endothelial transplantation, is Fuchs’ dystrophy. This condition triggers the progressive destruction of endothelial cells, causing the cornea to become opaque. Without transplantation, this disease can lead to severe eye pain and blindness.

On the other hand, keratoconus is a prevalent cause of anterior corneal transplantation, as it is a pathology that deforms the corneal surface. Although effective treatments are available today to halt its progress, there are still advanced cases that require transplantation.

Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery

Some patients undergoing transplant surgery, especially at an advanced age, may also have other eye diseases, such as cataracts. Our specialists’ experience enables us to perform combined surgeries, addressing both problems on the same day. According to Dr. Álvarez, “each case should be assessed individually, considering that if we perform the transplantation on a person with cataracts, clear vision will not be achieved until we address this issue. Additionally, if we operate on the cataract first, postoperative corneal complications may arise, leading to a delay in transplantation and the subsequent opportunity to improve the quality of life.”

Miranza specialists are at the forefront of corneal endothelial transplants using the state-of-the-art DMEK technique, providing a quicker recovery and improved vision.

Replacing only the affected layers of the cornea, as opposed to transplanting the entire tissue, has become a reality for numerous patients who have already benefited from this advanced ophthalmological technique.

“In many cases requiring a corneal transplant, only the endothelium, the innermost layer of the cornea, which is only 15-20 microns thick, is affected. Thanks to the DMEK technique (Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty), we can perform a corneal endothelial transplant while preserving over 90% of the patient’s own cornea,” explains Dr. Jorge Álvarez, a specialist at Miranza Clínica Muiños in these surgeries.

As the ophthalmologist adds, “compared to complete corneal transplants, DMEK is less invasive and offers a faster recovery. Moreover, visual quality can be fully recovered, whereas the risk of rejection, usually low in corneal transplants, is reduced even further.”

Dr. Óscar Gris, a specialist at IMO Grupo Miranza, points out that “these advantages can also be extended to corneal transplants in which we only replace the anterior part of the cornea, while preserving the endothelium intact, when it is not damaged.”

Pioneers in Corneal Endothelial Transplants in Spain

To embrace corneal endothelial transplants and other selective transplants, having sophisticated surgical technology is as important as having expert ophthalmologists who have overcome the learning curve required to perform these techniques precisely. Therefore, at Miranza, we incorporate the most advanced clinics in each community.

Our group of over 60 cornea specialists comprises leading experts in transplantations, such as Dr. Álvarez or Dr. Gris. Their collaborative work allows us to share knowledge and bring cutting-edge practices in eye health closer to our patients throughout Spain.

When is a Corneal Transplantation Necessary?

As the “window” of the eye, allowing light to pass into the eyeball to focus images, the good condition of the cornea is essential for good vision. This implies maintaining the cornea’s transparency and regularity.

One of the main causes of corneal transplantation in the Western world, specifically corneal endothelial transplantation, is Fuchs’ dystrophy. This condition triggers the progressive destruction of endothelial cells, causing the cornea to become opaque. Without transplantation, this disease can lead to severe eye pain and blindness.

On the other hand, keratoconus is a prevalent cause of anterior corneal transplantation, as it is a pathology that deforms the corneal surface. Although effective treatments are available today to halt its progress, there are still advanced cases that require transplantation.

Corneal Transplant and Cataract Surgery

Some patients undergoing transplant surgery, especially at an advanced age, may also have other eye diseases, such as cataracts. Our specialists’ experience enables us to perform combined surgeries, addressing both problems on the same day. According to Dr. Álvarez, “each case should be assessed individually, considering that if we perform the transplantation on a person with cataracts, clear vision will not be achieved until we address this issue. Additionally, if we operate on the cataract first, postoperative corneal complications may arise, leading to a delay in transplantation and the subsequent opportunity to improve the quality of life.”