Corneal transplantation replaces diseased or scarred corneal tissue with healthy donor cornea to restore clarity and vision. It can involve the full thickness or selected layers of the cornea.
Types of Corneal Transplant
Penetrating keratoplasty replaces the entire corneal thickness, while lamellar techniques such as DMEK and DSAEK replace only the back layers, and anterior lamellar grafts treat surface disease. The choice depends on which layers are affected.
- Donor tissue is matched and prepared in an eye bank
- Sutures hold the graft in place, sometimes for many months
- Endothelial procedures often use air or gas bubbles to support the graft
- Modern lamellar surgery usually leads to faster recovery and fewer complications
Recovery and Risks
Vision improves gradually over months as sutures are adjusted and the eye heals. Lifelong monitoring and topical steroids help reduce rejection and graft failure.
- Episodes of redness, light sensitivity, or blur may signal rejection and need urgent review
- Astigmatism after penetrating grafts may require glasses, contacts, or further surgery
- Infection, glaucoma, and graft decompensation are recognised risks
- Long-term success depends on the underlying disease and adherence to drops
