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When DMEK isn't right · sub-specialty technique

DSAEK in Cairo — the safer alternative when DMEK isn't possible.

DSAEK (Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty) is the right choice when the eye's anterior segment is too complex for DMEK — for example after prior glaucoma tubes, a very shallow chamber, or aniridia. It transplants a thin layer of stroma along with the endothelium, giving more graft handling tolerance. From $3,500 with internationally certified donor tissue.

DSAEK Endothelial Transplantation with Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy — Shaarawy Cornea Clinic

Why choose us

International standard. Regional access.

Devers Eye Institute fellowship

Trained directly under Prof. Mark A. Terry — one of the original developers of DSAEK. Same technique, same protocols.

When DMEK isn't safe — DSAEK is

DSAEK is forgiving. The thicker tissue makes it the right choice for complex eyes — prior glaucoma tubes, very shallow anterior chambers, aniridia, infant cases.

Faster than full corneal transplant

DSAEK preserves the front surface of the cornea — no full-thickness incision, no sutures across the whole graft. Visual recovery is much faster than PKP.

Internationally sourced tissue

Donor tissue imported from VisionGift, Saving Sight (USA), or European eye banks. Full chain-of-custody documentation, ≤48h sourcing.

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.

Normal vision
With corneal edema

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

Normal vision
With corneal edema

Reading

Foggy as if looking through a misted window — worst in the morning

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Normal vision
With corneal edema

Eye chart

Uniformly blurred letters — improves slightly through the day but never sharpens

Book a DMEK / endothelial assessment

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.

ProcedureBest forFrom (USD)
DSAEK (standard)Conventional DSAEK with a 100–150 micron stromal layer + endothelium.$3,500 $4,500
Ultra-thin DSAEK (UT-DSAEK)Donor tissue dissected to 50–100 microns. Closer visual outcome to DMEK.$3,800 $5,000
DSAEK + cataract surgery (triple)Combined procedure for Fuchs patients with cataract.$4,500 $5,800

Common questions

Frequently asked.

Send your case for a DSAEK or DMEK recommendation.

We'll review your specular microscopy, OCT, and any prior surgical history and recommend whether DMEK, DSAEK, or another transplant approach is right for your eye — and the all-in cost.