Clinical Research Directory

Effect of Descemet Membrane Polishing in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy

Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) is the leading indication for corneal transplantation worldwide. It results from the accumulation of guttae and progressive loss of corneal endothelial cells, leading to corneal edema and visual impairment. Endothelial keratoplasty remains the reference treatment, but graft shortages have promoted the development of cell-based therapies involving the injection of cultured endothelial cells. A key unresolved issue is whether removal of the pathological endothelium prior to injection improves cell adhesion. Clinical data are limited and sometimes contradictory, particularly regarding endothelial polishing. The actual effectiveness of this procedure in removing guttae and improving survival of injected cells remains uncertain. An in vivo clinical evaluation is therefore required to assess its impact on guttae removal.