Cornea Transplantation

Replacing a Damaged Cornea — Restoring the Window to Your World

The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface at the very front of the eye. It is the first structure light passes through on its way to the retina, and its clarity is essential for sharp, clear vision. When the cornea becomes clouded, scarred, or misshapen beyond what can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses, a cornea transplant offers the chance to restore what has been lost. At RGC Eye Hospital, our corneal surgeons perform this complex and delicate procedure with the precision and expertise it demands.

What Is Cornea Transplantation?

Cornea transplantation — also called keratoplasty — is a surgical procedure in which a diseased or damaged cornea is replaced with healthy donor corneal tissue. The donor tissue is sourced from a registered eye bank and is carefully matched and screened before use. Depending on the specific problem with the cornea, the surgeon may replace the full thickness of the cornea or only the affected layers — a more targeted approach that preserves as much of the patient’s own healthy tissue as possible.

Conditions That May Require Cornea Transplantation

• Keratoconus — progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea that causes severely distorted vision
• Corneal scarring from infections, injuries, or previous surgery
• Fuchs endothelial dystrophy — a hereditary condition causing the cornea to swell and cloud
• Bullous keratopathy — corneal swelling following cataract surgery or other procedures
• Failed previous corneal grafts
• Chemical or thermal burns that have permanently damaged the corneal tissue

Types of Corneal Transplant

Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK)

The traditional full-thickness corneal transplant, in which the entire central cornea is replaced with a full-thickness disc of donor tissue. This is used when all layers of the cornea are significantly affected.

DSAEK / DMEK (Endothelial Keratoplasty)

A more modern approach in which only the innermost layer of the cornea — the endothelium — is replaced. This technique results in faster visual recovery and a stronger eye compared to full-thickness transplantation, and is the preferred approach for conditions such as Fuchs dystrophy and bullous keratopathy.

DALK (Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty)

Used for conditions such as keratoconus where the inner endothelial layer is healthy. Only the outer layers of the cornea are replaced, preserving the patient’s own healthy endothelium and significantly reducing the risk of rejection.

Recovery After Corneal Transplantation

Recovery from corneal transplantation is a gradual process. Vision improves slowly over months as the graft heals and settles. Steroid eye drops are used long-term to prevent rejection — and it is essential to use them as directed even when the eye feels completely comfortable. Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled over the months and years following surgery to monitor the graft and ensure it remains healthy and clear.

Why Patients Trust RGC Eye Hospital

• Specialist corneal surgeons trained in all types of modern keratoplasty techniques
• Access to screened, high-quality donor tissue through established eye bank partnerships
• Meticulous post-operative monitoring to detect and manage any early signs of rejection
• Long-term follow-up and ongoing support throughout the recovery journey