DMAK

Non-healing ocular surface disease is one of the toughest things we manage. At ASCRS 2026, Dr. Nicole Fram presented multi-surgeon data on #DMAK (Descemet’s Membrane Anterior Keratoplasty) for patients with persistent epithelial defects, limbal stem cell deficiency, and neurotrophic keratopathy. Across 121 cases: • 86.8% achieved complete epithelialization • Median time to heal: 28 days • 96.3% remained healed at 6 months • Pain improved in ~75% of patients • Graft retention: 93% • No infectious complications attributed to the tissue DMAK uses decellularized Descemet’s membrane as a biologic scaffold to support epithelial healing, something this patient population often struggles to achieve. Not a first-line solution, but an important option when standard approaches fall short. Reference Fram NR. Descemet’s Membrane Anterior Keratoplasty (DMAK) for Treatment of Non-Healing Diseases of the Ocular Surface. Presented at: American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting; April 10–13, 2026; Washington, DC. Electronic Poster. #ASCRS2026 #Cornea #OcularSurface #Ophthalmology #EyeCare