Envisioning the Future

Ophthalmologist takes advantage of new technology

For years, Helen Jean Griffin struggled with severe vision loss. At 94 years old, the San Dimas resident was blind in both eyes and unable to recognize faces or see fine details such as flower petals.

Three months before the article was published, she underwent a life-altering eye surgery known as DSAEK (Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty) after being referred to Dr. Bud Kurwa in Glendora.

Griffin was diagnosed with Fuchs’ Dystrophy, a condition that causes clouding of the cornea and can eventually lead to blindness. Traditionally, such cases required a full corneal transplant, involving long recovery times and extended stitches.

Dr. Kurwa instead recommended the newer DSAEK procedure, which replaces only the damaged inner layer of the cornea rather than the entire cornea. This approach significantly reduces recovery time, lowers surgical risk, and improves visual outcomes—especially in elderly patients.

Unlike traditional corneal transplants that may require up to a year for healing, DSAEK patients often regain functional vision much sooner. Griffin reported remarkable improvement, saying she could see clearly again for the first time in years.