Emerging Technologies to Solve the Key Issues in Endothelial Keratoplasty

Purpose of ReviewEndothelial keratoplasty (EK) is increasingly used to treat corneal endothelial disease. However, issues remain with EK including a non-zero rejection rate, shortage of donor tissue, and technical challenges for Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty. Technologies that might solve these issues include small-molecule drugs, surgical innovations, cell therapy, tissue engineering, and gene therapy. Our purpose is to inform ophthalmologists, eye bankers, and eye health professionals of technologies that could impact practice in the near future.Recent FindingsRecent advances are targeted at solving known issues with EK. Although none is yet routine, some are in clinical trials. Technologies that are closest to an ideal solution are those facing the highest regulatory and commercial hurdles.SummaryIn the future, there will multiple options for the treatment of corneal endothelial cell failure. Which of these differing treatments will be used will depend on their efficacy as well as commercial, regulatory, and patient factors.