Endothelial keratoplasty versus penetrating keratoplasty for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy.

Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (FED), first described by Ernst Fuchsis in 1910, is a condition in which there is premature degeneration of corneal endothelial cells. When the number of endothelial cells is reduced to a significant degree fluid begins to accumulate within the cornea. As a result the cornea loses its transparency and the individual suffers a reduction in vision. The only successful surgical treatment for this condition is replacement of part or all of the cornea with healthy tissue from a cadaveric donor. The established procedure, penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), has been used for many years and its safety and efficacy are well known. Endothelial keratoplasty (EK) is a relatively new surgical procedure and the safety and efficacy relative to PKP are unknown.