“Pioneering Eye Surgery in Saudi Arabia: 70-Year-Old Regains Sight with Innovative Technique”

A medical team at King Saud University's Medical City has successfully restored the vision of a 70-year-old patient using a groundbreaking Endoglide technique to transplant a corneal endothelial layer. This marks the first time such a procedure has been performed in Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Mohammed Majed Abu Seif, a consultant ophthalmologist and leader of the medical team, explained that the patient had experienced a significant decline in vision due to a failed corneal endothelial layer following a previous cataract surgery. The team decided to perform a Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) procedure, replacing the damaged layer with a healthy one from a donor.

He highlighted that this technique “Endoglide”, used for the first time in Saudi Arabia, allows for the delicate manipulation and placement of the corneal endothelium, a tissue so thin it's less than one-tenth the diameter of a human hair (1/10). By using this method, the surgeon can accurately position the tissue within the anterior chamber of the eye, making it ideal for treating advanced cases of endothelial corneal dystrophy.

Dr. Abu Seif emphasized that this technique can be easily taught to other ophthalmologists, enabling the widespread adoption of DMEK procedures across the Kingdom. This will improve access to specialized eye care for patients and reduce the need for medical tourism. Remarkably, the patient regained their vision within four days of the surgery, achieving near-normal vision and a full recovery.

King Saud University's Medical City is renowned for its highly qualified medical staff and serves as a leading medical reference center in various specialized fields.