Why do I need to lie flat after surgery?

The air bubble must press the graft against your cornea. Your surgeon will tell you the exact position and schedule.

Rebubbling means adding another air bubble if the graft lifts away. It is a known early issue after this surgery [2] .

Will I still need glasses?

Often yes. The transplant clears swelling, but glasses may still sharpen vision.

Can the graft reject?

Yes. Rejection is possible after any donor cornea surgery. New redness, pain, light sensitivity, or blur needs prompt care.

Treatment

Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK)

Also known as Partial Cornea Transplant, Endothelial Keratoplasty, Fuchs Dystrophy Surgery, Cornea Pump Cell Transplant

Updated May 20, 2026·For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for medical advice. See our terms.

Bottom Line

Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty is a thin cornea transplant. It replaces only the inner pump layer, so vision often clears faster than with older full-thickness grafts.

Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty replaces the cornea pump cells. These cells keep the clear front window of the eye from swelling ¹.

Surgeons use it when those cells fail. Common reasons include Fuchs dystrophy, older cataract surgery damage, or failure of a prior cornea graft ¹.

The donor layer is very thin. It can give sharp vision, but the graft can detach and need a second air bubble called rebubbling ².

How It Works

The cornea has a clear inner pump layer. When that layer fails, fluid builds up and the cornea turns cloudy.

This surgery replaces only that failed layer. The surgeon leaves most of your cornea in place.

A small air bubble presses the donor tissue against your cornea. The bubble is why early positioning matters.

Who It Helps

This surgery is mainly for back-layer cornea disease.

Fuchs dystrophy. Pump cells slowly fail over time.
Failed older graft. The inner cell layer may stop working.
After cataract surgery damage. Some eyes lose too many pump cells.

It is usually not the right surgery for deep scars in the front cornea.

Risks And Follow-Up

The most common early issue is graft detachment. A second air bubble can often press it back into place ².

Other risks include infection, high eye pressure, rejection, and graft failure. These are uncommon but important.

Call the surgeon the same day for worse pain, new redness, light sensitivity, or a sudden vision drop.

Cost And Insurance

This is usually a medically necessary cornea transplant. Medical insurance often covers it when vision is limited by cornea swelling.

Your bill may include surgeon, facility, anesthesia, donor tissue, and follow-up fees.

Ask whether donor tissue and possible rebubbling are included in the estimate.

Common Questions About Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty

No. It replaces only the thin inner pump layer of the cornea.

Next Steps

1Ask a cornea specialist which cornea layer is failing.
2Review whether cataract surgery is needed before or during the transplant.
3Plan transportation and positioning help for the first day.
4Use steroid and antibiotic drops exactly as prescribed.
5Call the surgeon urgently for pain, redness, light sensitivity, or worse vision.

Find specialists for Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK)

Board-certified ophthalmologists who treat Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK).

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