Office opens in June, with bookings starting in May.

Contact Us

Clearer Vision & Stronger Corneas with Advanced Transplant Surgery DSEK in Bellevue

When corneal swelling or disease distorts your vision, a DSEK corneal transplant can restore clarity while preserving more of your natural eye structure. This partial-thickness transplant strengthens the cornea while offering faster healing and a lower risk of complications than full-thickness transplants. At Bellevue Precision Vision, we use the latest advancements in corneal surgery to help you regain sharp, stable vision with expert, personalized care.

What Is DSEK Corneal Transplant?

Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK) is a partial-thickness corneal transplant designed to restore vision by replacing damaged endothelial cells while maintaining most of the natural cornea. Used primarily for Fuchs’ dystrophy and corneal edema, DSEK involves implanting a thin layer of donor corneal tissue, leading to improved visual clarity with a lower risk of rejection than full transplants.

river in a forest
doctor showing a patient a tablet

The Benefits of DSEK Corneal Transplant

  • Improved Visual Clarity: Replacing the damaged corneal layer enhances vision while maintaining most of the natural cornea.
  • Stronger Cornea with Less Surgical Impact: The thicker donor tissue used in DSEK makes the cornea more stable, reducing complications.
  • Lower Risk of Rejection Than Full Transplants: Since DSEK only replaces the damaged portion of the cornea, it has a lower rejection rate than full-thickness corneal transplants.
  • Effective for Fuchs’ Dystrophy & Corneal Edema: This technique successfully restores vision for those experiencing corneal swelling or dysfunction.
  • Faster Recovery Than Traditional Corneal Transplants: Many patients see vision improvements within a few weeks compared to months with a full corneal transplant.

Is DSEK Corneal Transplant Right for Me?

If you have corneal swelling, endothelial disease, or vision loss from Fuchs’ dystrophy, DSEK may be a great option to restore clarity while preserving most of your natural cornea. This procedure is slightly thicker than DMEK, offering structural stability and excellent long-term results.

You may be a good candidate for DSEK if you:

  • Have Fuchs’ dystrophy, severe corneal edema, or endothelial dysfunction.
  • Are looking for a faster healing time than traditional corneal transplants.
  • Have significant eye disease such as glaucoma along with corneal disease that could impact healing, you may be a better candidate for DSEK than DMEK

During your consultation, we’ll determine whether DSEK or DMEK is best for your condition and lifestyle needs.

What to Expect The DSEK Corneal Transplant Process

Comprehensive Eye Evaluation

We assess your corneal health, vision needs, and medical history to determine if DSEK is the right transplant option.

Preparing for Surgery

  • Arrange for a ride home, as you’ll need time to recover.
  • Use pre-surgical eye drops as directed.

The DSEK Procedure (30-60 minutes per eye)

  • The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure comfort.
  • The damaged endothelial layer is removed and replaced with a donor graft.
  • An air bubble is used to position the transplant, allowing it to adhere naturally.

Immediate Post-Procedure Care

  • You’ll need to lie on your back for up to 72 hours to help the graft settle.
  • Expect mild discomfort and blurry vision for a few days.

Long-Term Healing & Vision Recovery

  • Vision typically improves within weeks, with continued refinement over months.
  • Follow-ups ensure successful healing and transplant stability.
Background media

"One of the best corneal surgeons in the country."

Dr. Rostov is one of the best corneal surgeons in the country and is exceptionally knowledgeable about optical health issues. Dr. Rostov performed two procedures on my eyes, and both were completed correctly and without complications. I have found...

Brian C.

I have had extreme myopia (almost pathological) and astigmatism in both eyes my entire life. Gas-permeable hard contact lenses were the only thing that corrected my vision perfectly, but as I reached middle age, it became increasingly painful to w...

Yvette Y.

I had surgery on both of my eyes, performed by Dr. Rostov. I am so thankful to Dr. Rostov for her kindness, talent, skills, and professionalism. She is top notch to say bluntly. And believe me, I could go on and on about how happy I am with my vis...

Marc M.

Dr. Rostov took time to explain the SMILE procedure in detail and made sure to make me comfortable throughout. She and her team worked so seamlessly and efficiently that I felt like I was in the hands of experts the whole time. Dr. Rostov is highl...

A.W.

Dr. Rostov took time to explain the SMILE procedure in detail and made sure to me comfortable throughout. She and her team worked so seamlessly and efficiently that I felt like I was in hands of experts the whole time. Dr. Rostov is highly talente...

A. W.

Excellent vision recovery after a lifetime of one eye wildly off from the other with astigmatism and farsightedness. add in cataracts, happily by the time i went in for possible lasik surgery a new type of lens to correct multifocal vision plus as...

Anonymous

Dr. Audrey is a world-renowned surgeon, known for her skills and compassion. The Hawaiian Eye Foundation is inspired by her humanitarian efforts and is pleased to work with her to give the gift of sight around the world!

Anonymous

Amazingly knowledgeable as much as caring. Always with a big smile and willing to explain the procedures and alternatives. I had a cornea transplanted by her in 2011 and everything went perfect. I have referred a friend with my same problem and he...

Zelma

Always friendly and answered all questions. Recommended to sister and she had a good experience

Anonymous
Read all Testimonials

Schedule a Consultation

Contact Us

After Your DSEK Corneal Transplant Recovery & Results

DSEK has a quicker recovery than full-thickness transplants, but vision improvement happens gradually over several weeks to months. Patients typically experience sharper, more stable vision compared to pre-surgery clarity.

Healing Timeline & Recovery Expectations

  • First 24-48 Hours: Vision will be blurry as the graft settles, and you may feel minor discomfort.
  • First Few Weeks: Expect gradual improvement, though vision may fluctuate during healing.
  • First 3-6 Months: Vision becomes significantly clearer, with long-term stability and minimal rejection risk.

Post-Surgery Guidelines

  • Follow positioning instructions for the first 48-72 hours
  • Use prescribed eye drops to prevent rejection and infection.
  • Avoid heavy lifting and/or strenuous activity for 4 weeks
  • Follow up regularly to monitor healing and transplant integration.
Background media

Why Choose Bellevue Precision Vision?

With decades of expertise in corneal surgery, Dr. Audrey Talley Rostov, MD, provides advanced DSEK procedures tailored to each patient’s needs. At Bellevue Precision Vision, we use cutting-edge surgical techniques and a personalized approach to ensure faster recovery, long-term transplant success, and clearer vision. If you’re looking for a trusted specialist in corneal transplantation, contact us today to explore your options.

Doctor media

FAQ DSEK Corneal Transplant

Faq media

How does DSEK differ from DMEK?

DSEK replaces a slightly thicker layer of the cornea than DMEK, making it better suited for patients with advanced disease or irregular corneal shape. While vision recovery may take slightly longer, DSEK provides strong structural support and excellent long-term results.

How soon will I notice vision improvement?

Vision gradually improves over a few weeks, with full clarity developing over several months.

Will I feel the transplant in my eye?

No, the donor corneal tissue integrates seamlessly into your eye, and you will not feel it once healing is complete.

Is DSEK permanent?

For most patients, DSEK is a lasting solution, though ongoing eye health monitoring is important.

Will I still need glasses or contacts after DSEK?

Yes, patients will still need glasses or specialty contact lenses for best visual results, depending on their overall eye health.

Sticky bar popup.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Ad alias animi commodi distinctio doloremque eum exercitationem facilis in ipsum iusto magnam, mollitia pariatur praesentium rem repellat temporibus veniam vitae voluptatum.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Ad alias animi commodi distinctio doloremque eum exercitationem facilis in ipsum iusto magnam, mollitia pariatur

Button

Ready to See Clearly? Schedule a Consultation

Contact Us
Contact us media Contact us media
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact our Accessibility Manager at (425) 474-3186.
Contact Us