What is Keratoplasty?

Keratoplasty, also known as a corneal transplant, is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or diseased cornea with a healthy donor cornea. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front layer of the eye that helps focus light for clear vision. When it becomes cloudy, scarred, or irregular in shape due to conditions like keratoconus, infections, injuries, or corneal dystrophies, vision can become blurry or completely lost. Keratoplasty can restore clarity, reduce pain, and improve eye health.

Types of Keratoplasty

🔹 Penetrating Keratoplasty (PKP): A full-thickness corneal transplant where the entire cornea is replaced.
🔹 Lamellar Keratoplasty: Only the damaged layers of the cornea are replaced, preserving healthy tissue.
🔹 Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK/DMEK): A minimally invasive technique that replaces only the innermost corneal layer, ideal for endothelial diseases.

Who Needs a Corneal Transplant?

This surgery may be recommended for patients with:
✔️ Keratoconus (thinning and bulging of the cornea)
✔️ Corneal scars from infections or injuries
✔️ Severe corneal swelling or dystrophies
✔️ Rejection of a previous corneal transplant

What to Expect During the Procedure

✅ Performed under local or general anesthesia
✅ Takes about 1-2 hours
✅ The damaged cornea is carefully removed and replaced with a healthy donor cornea
✅ Fine stitches may be used to secure the transplant

Recovery & Aftercare

🔹 Mild discomfort is common after surgery.
🔹 Vision gradually improves over weeks to months.
🔹 Eyedrops & medications help prevent infection and rejection.
🔹 Stitches (if used) may be removed after a few months.

Risks & Success Rate

Keratoplasty has a high success rate, but potential risks include:
⚠️ Rejection of the donor cornea (manageable with medication)
⚠️ Infection or inflammation
⚠️ Astigmatism or vision changes

With proper post-surgery care and regular checkups, most patients enjoy significantly improved vision. If you’ve been struggling with corneal disease, a corneal transplant could be your path to clearer vision!

📅 Book a consultation today to explore your treatment options!