The cornea allows light to enter the eye, helping the eye to see clearly. A corneal transplant is a surgery that replaces part of the cornea with donor cornea tissue. This can help to restore vision, minimize cornea-related pain, and improve the appearance of damaged cornea. This surgery can treat Keratoconus, Fuch’s dystrophy, cornea scarring as a result of infection, thinning, or tearing of the cornea, cornea ulcers, swelling of the cornea, or complications of eye surgery.
Benefits of Corneal Transplant
- Restore vision
- Reduce eye pain
- Improve damaged cornea tissue appearance
Corneal Transplant Procedure
During your cornea transplant surgery, you will be given a sedative to help you relax and a local anesthetic to numb the eyes and help you maintain optimal comfort. A cornea transplant will remove the entire or partial thickness of the damaged cornea and replace the area with healthy donor tissue. We offer various surgical methods to address your condition. These include:
Penetrating Keratoplasty
This treatment is the full-thickness corneal transplant performed when the cornea is severely damaged. During this treatment, the surgeon cuts the cornea to remove a small disk of corneal tissue. Donor tissue is then placed and sutured into the area. Full recovery from the PK surgery can take between six and twelve months.
Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK)
Endothelial Keratoplasty is a corneal transplant procedure that replaces the inner lining of the cornea known as the endothelium. During the procedure, a small incision is placed and the damaged eye tissue is removed using a microkeratome blade. The donor tissue is folded and fitted into the incision area before being positioned. Your eye surgeon will inject an air bubble to position and unfold the graft. You will notice an improvement in vision in two weeks gradually occurring over the next four to six months.
Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK)
DSEK surgery corrects endothelium failure. This corneal transplant is intended to replace the endothelium and Descement’s membrane. During this partial thickness transplant, the endothelium and Descemet’s membrane are removed through a small incision and the circular disc is removed from the inner lining of the donor cornea. The donor tissue is placed along with an air bubble to stabilize the area. After the DSEK procedure, patients are instructed to lie on their backs and rest to stabilize the air bubble for the following day.
Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK)
DMEK is also a partial thickness transplant. This procedure replaces the endothelium. Healthy tissue is left in place to shorten the surgery and recovery time. During this procedure, you are given a topical anesthetic however no sedation is given. Small incisions are made in the cornea and new donor tissue is inserted into the area along with an air bubble to keep the transplant in place during healing.
Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK)
ALK cornea surgery is intended to address scarred or damaged tissue on the front layer of the eye. This procedure benefits those with refractive issues such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. Surgery consists of the cornea being split into two pieces where a thin layer of damaged tissue is removed. Donor tissue is grafted into position and sutures may be used.
What is Recovery Like After a Corneal Transplant?
After your corneal transplant surgery, you may be instructed to wear an eye patch or protective eyewear while healing. You may experience light sensitivity, redness, and achiness for the days following your procedure. You may be prescribed topical antibiotics, corticosteroids, and prescription-level eyedrops to relieve any inflammation and lower your chances of infection.
When to Expect Full Results After the Procedure
After your corneal transplant procedure, it can take several months for your vision to improve. Dr. Gupta or Dr. Pereira will schedule follow-up appointments with you to ensure that you are healing properly.
Contact Us
If you are interested in a corneal transplant, contact Dr. Gupta or Dr. Pereira at Advanced Eye Surgeons in Boca Raton or Tamarac, FL, by filling out our online contact form to schedule a consultation or book an appointment.