Current development of alternative treatments for endothelial decompensation: Cell-based therapy

Current treatment for corneal endothelial dysfunction consists in the replacement of endothelium by keratoplasty. Owing to scarcity donor corneas and increasing number transplants, alternative treatments such as cell-based therapies are necessary. In this article, we highlight biological aspects cornea endothelium, well context that surrounds need new alternatives conventional We then review some those experimental more detail, focusing on development vitro preclinical phases two therapies: tissue-engineered keratoplasty (TE-EK) cell injection. case TE-EK graft construction, analyse current progress, considering all requirements it must meet order be functional. Moreover, discuss inherent drawbacks keratoplasties, which grafts should overcome make surgical intervention easier improve outcomes keratoplasties. Finally, trials their limitations terms performing an optimal functional evaluation therapy, conclude discussing early clinical humans.