Corneal Endothelial Cell Transplant

A refined version of the traditional corneal transplant, where only the endothelial cells from the innermost layer of the cornea are scraped off and transplanted, eliminates the need for stitching and speeds recovery.

TenCell treatment, a true endothelial cell transplant, has been developed by Dr. Michael Tappin, consultant ophthalmologist at the Royal Surrey County Hospital (Guildford, Surrey, UK). The new treatment is indicated in patients with endothelial dystrophy (clouded vision), a condition where endothelial cells, the cells that pump water out of the cornea to keep it clear, are damaged and the cornea becomes waterlogged and cloudy.

One of the problems with corneal transplants is that eyes are among the most difficult organs to obtain and there is a waiting list for the operation. Relatives are reluctant to donate eyes because they are visible and an integral part of a dead person's face, compared with a kidney or liver, which is internal and invisible. The new technique involves only a small incision in the corner of the eye.

"One day I was blind and the next I could see. It was so sudden I could hardly believe it. My life has been transformed,” said Jennifer Matcham of Liphook (Surrey), one of the 15 patients who have undergone the procedure so far. Nine have been successful.

"The great thing with this technique is you burn no boats. You can repeat the procedure or do a traditional graft [corneal transplant],” said Dr. Tappin. "The main benefit to TenCell treatment is that the [donors] eye is left in its original shape.”

In the future, doctors hope replacement endothelial cells may be grown in the laboratory, circumventing the need for donors and reducing the risk of transplant rejection.






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Royal Surrey County Hospital