EndoArt (made by EyeYon Medical) is the first artificial endothelial layer for the cornea. The endothelium is the cornea's innermost layer of cells, which act as a pump keeping the cornea clear; when these cells fail, fluid builds up and the cornea swells, blurring vision — a problem called chronic corneal oedema. EndoArt is a tiny, transparent, flexible disc that is implanted onto the back of the cornea where it acts as a watertight barrier, blocking fluid from entering the cornea so it can clear and thin. Because it is synthetic rather than donated human tissue, there is no rejection risk and no dependence on the donor cornea supply. At our partner clinics in South England, EndoArt surgery costs from £6,500 per eye, all-inclusive.
What is EndoArt?
A healthy cornea stays crystal clear because its endothelial cells continuously pump excess fluid out. In conditions such as Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, bullous keratopathy and after some eye surgery, these cells are lost and cannot regenerate. The cornea then swells, causing misty vision, glare and sometimes pain.
The standard treatment is an endothelial graft using donor tissue — either DMEK or DSAEK. These work very well, but they rely on donor corneas, carry a small lifelong risk of rejection, and can be challenging in eyes that have already had failed grafts or complex surgery. EndoArt offers a different approach: instead of replacing the cells with donor tissue, it seals the back of the cornea with a permanent artificial barrier, so the cornea dries out and clears without needing the cells to work.
Who is EndoArt for?
- Chronic corneal oedema causing misty vision, glare or discomfort
- Patients whose previous DMEK or DSAEK grafts have failed, sometimes more than once
- Eyes that are complex or high-risk for a conventional donor graft
- People who want to avoid graft rejection and long-term anti-rejection drops
- Patients where donor tissue is scarce or repeated grafting is undesirable
EndoArt is a specialist option and is not the right choice for everyone — your consultant will weigh it against a standard donor graft after a full corneal assessment. It is most often considered for eyes with a guarded prognosis where a conventional transplant has struggled.
Has a corneal graft failed, or been ruled out? A corneal assessment with tomography confirms whether a donor-free EndoArt implant could clear your cornea.
Book a corneal assessmentEndoArt & endothelial graft pricing
Your surgeon will recommend the approach best suited to your cornea, your previous surgery and your visual prognosis. The options below are guide self-pay prices per eye.
In early Fuchs dystrophy without a full graft, your surgeon may instead discuss Descemet stripping only (DSO), which encourages the eye's own cells to repopulate. Explore every corneal option on our prices hub and treatments hub.
What happens during EndoArt surgery
EndoArt is implanted much like a modern endothelial graft. It is a day-case procedure, usually under local anaesthetic with the option of light sedation, taking around 45–60 minutes.
- Anaesthetic is given and the eye is cleaned and prepared.
- Any previous failed graft tissue or damaged Descemet membrane is removed where needed.
- The folded EndoArt implant is inserted through a small incision and unfolded against the back of the cornea.
- A gas or air bubble is placed in the eye to press the implant into position while it settles.
- The eye is shielded. You lie face-up for a period so the bubble holds the implant in place, then go home.
Recovery week-by-week
As with donor endothelial grafts, careful positioning in the early days helps the implant attach. Vision then clears gradually as the cornea dries out.
Day of surgery
Vision is blurred from the gas bubble. You follow face-up posturing advice. An eye shield protects the eye overnight and drops begin.
Days 1–7
First review checks the implant is attached. The gas bubble shrinks and vision starts to improve as corneal swelling reduces.
Weeks 2–6
The cornea continues to thin and clear. Drops continue. Most daily activities resume on your surgeon's advice.
Months 1–3
Vision settles as the cornea dries fully. Because the implant is synthetic, there is no graft-rejection process to watch for.
Long term
Regular corneal monitoring continues. The artificial implant is designed to provide a durable barrier without anti-rejection medication.
What's included in the price
Our EndoArt pricing is all-inclusive: consultant corneal assessment, corneal tomography and thickness scans, the EndoArt implant and theatre fees, the gas/air support, post-op drops and your review appointments.
- Self-pay: from £6,500 per eye for EndoArt; from £5,000 per eye for a DMEK donor graft.
- Insurance: corneal surgery is covered by many insurers where it is clinically indicated — we help with authorisation.
- Finance: 0% finance options are available to spread the cost.