What Is a Cornea Transplant?
A cornea transplant replaces damaged or diseased corneal tissue with healthy tissue from a donor. The cornea is the clear front window of the eye; when it becomes scarred, swollen or misshapen, vision becomes blurred or cloudy. A transplant can restore clarity, relieve pain and improve the appearance of the eye.
Our cornea specialists offer both full-thickness and partial-thickness procedures, choosing the approach that replaces only the tissue your eye needs.
Why a Transplant May Be Recommended
- Advanced keratoconus
- Corneal scarring from injury or infection
- Fuchs’ dystrophy and other conditions that cause corneal swelling
- Clouding or failure of a previous transplant
Types of Cornea Transplants
Full-Thickness (PK)
Penetrating keratoplasty replaces the full thickness of the central cornea and is used when all layers are affected.
Partial-Thickness (DSEK)
Endothelial keratoplasty replaces only the inner layer of the cornea, for faster healing when the other layers are healthy.
Anterior Lamellar
Replaces the front layers of the cornea while keeping your healthy inner layer, often used for keratoconus and scarring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does donor tissue come from?
Donor corneas come from certified eye banks, where the tissue is carefully screened and tested for safety before it is released for transplant.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery depends on the type of transplant. Partial-thickness transplants often improve vision within weeks, while full-thickness transplants can take a year or more to fully stabilize.