DMEK and S-DMEK in Cairo — by the surgeon who introduced it.
DMEK (Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty) replaces only the inner endothelial layer of the cornea — the gold standard for Fuchs dystrophy and endothelial failure. Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy was the first surgeon to perform S-DMEK in Egypt and the broader Arab region after training under Prof. Mark A. Terry at Devers Eye Institute, Portland — one of the original developers of the technique. From $3,000 with internationally certified eye-bank tissue.
Why choose us
International standard. Regional access.
Fellowship under Prof. Mark A. Terry
Devers Eye Institute, Portland, Oregon — where modern DMEK was developed. Direct training in the original technique from one of its inventors.
First S-DMEK in Egypt and the Arab region
Dr. Shaarawy introduced the S-DMEK variant — using a tissue stamp to prevent the donor membrane from being implanted upside-down. A meaningful safety improvement.
AAO-published outcomes
Co-author on AAO 2014 research showing DMEK improves vision even in eyes with prior refractive surgery — a notoriously challenging patient group.
Lowest rejection rate of any transplant
DMEK has a lifetime rejection rate of 3–5%, far below DSAEK (5–10%) or PKP (15–20%). Because only one layer of foreign tissue is implanted, the immune response is minimized.
Do you wake up with foggy vision?
Corneal edema symptoms as you actually see them
Endothelial dystrophy (Fuchs / inner-cell loss) causes foggy vision that's worst in the morning and improves slightly through the day. Drag the divider to see what patients experience.
Driving at night
Soft halos and glare around lights — especially in low-light conditions
Read this text clearly
A clear inner cornea keeps vision crisp
Read this text clearly
A clear inner cornea keeps vision crisp
Reading
Foggy as if looking through a misted window — worst in the morning
Eye chart
Uniformly blurred letters — improves slightly through the day but never sharpens
DMEK and DSAEK restore transparency with rapid recovery
Procedures & pricing
Transparent USD pricing.
Final cost is set after clinical examination. Local-currency equivalents available on request. Insurance reports issued for international patients.
| Procedure | Best for | From (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| S-DMEK (S-stamp DMEK) | Tissue marked with an S-stamp on the donor side — eliminates the risk of upside-down implantation. | $3,000 – $3,500 |
| Standard DMEK | Conventional DMEK technique. Used when S-stamped tissue isn't available. | $2,800 – $3,300 |
| DMEK + cataract surgery (triple procedure) | DMEK combined with phaco + IOL in a single session. Common in Fuchs patients with cataract. | $4,000 – $5,200 |
Common questions
Frequently asked.
Discuss your case with the surgeon who introduced S-DMEK to the region.
Send your specular microscopy, OCT, and recent topography. We'll respond within 24 hours with whether DMEK, DSAEK, or another approach is right for you, the all-in cost, and a recommended travel plan.