Corneal
Transplant Surgery
What is a corneal transplant?
A corneal transplant is a surgical procedure that replaces damaged or diseased corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue, with the aim of restoring clearer vision and improving quality of life.
The cornea is the clear, curved surface at the front of your eye. When it becomes scarred, swollen, thin or diseased, it can affect the clarity and quality of your vision.
Advances in corneal surgery now allow us, in suitable cases, to replace only the affected layers while preserving healthy corneal tissue.
When might you need a corneal transplant?
A transplant may be recommended for a range of conditions when other treatments cannot adequately restore vision or corneal function.
Different techniques.
A shared goal.
Not every corneal transplant involves replacing the full thickness of the cornea. Modern techniques allow affected layers to be selectively replaced in suitable cases.
The most appropriate procedure depends on your condition, the corneal layers involved and the health of your eye.
DMEK
Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty replaces the innermost corneal layer, including the endothelium.
Often used for Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy, DMEK can provide excellent visual rehabilitation in appropriately selected patients.
DALK
Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty replaces the affected front layers while preserving the patient's healthy endothelium.
It may be suitable for advanced keratoconus and certain forms of corneal scarring.
PK
A full-thickness transplant that replaces the entire thickness of the central cornea.
It may be recommended for complex scarring, advanced corneal disease or when a selective transplant is not suitable.
From assessment to clearer vision
Your treatment journey is planned around your individual needs, with clear explanations and specialist support at every stage.
Consultation
A detailed assessment of your cornea, vision and suitability for transplantation.
Surgical planning
Selection of the most appropriate technique for your individual condition.
Transplant surgery
Specialist microsurgery to replace the affected corneal tissue.
Recovery & follow-up
Careful postoperative monitoring, medication and ongoing graft care.
Expert care,
thoughtfully personalised.
Mr Ahmed Hussien is a Consultant Eye Surgeon and Cornea Service Lead in Newcastle, with specialist expertise in the management of complex corneal conditions and corneal transplantation.
Your consultation includes a detailed assessment of your cornea and vision, a discussion of available treatments and the most appropriate surgical options for your individual circumstances.
You will have the opportunity to discuss the expected benefits, potential risks and recovery process before making an informed decision.
Book a consultationSupport at every stage
Recovery after a corneal transplant varies depending on the type of procedure and your individual circumstances.
Regular follow-up and careful use of prescribed medication are essential to support healing and protect your transplant.
Recovery
Vision may improve over weeks or months. Full visual recovery can take longer, particularly after PK.
Follow-up
Regular reviews help monitor healing, vision, eye pressure and graft health.
Graft protection
Recognising the warning signs of graft rejection and seeking prompt treatment are important.
Your questions
answered.
Understanding your treatment helps you make an informed decision about your corneal health.
How long does recovery take after a corneal transplant?
Recovery varies considerably depending on the procedure. Following DMEK, vision may improve over several weeks, although full recovery can take longer. Following penetrating keratoplasty, visual recovery is generally slower and may take many months or longer.
Will I need eye drops after surgery?
Yes. Antibiotic and steroid eye drops are usually prescribed following surgery. Steroid drops are often required for an extended period to reduce the risk of graft rejection. Your treatment plan will be tailored to your individual eye.
Can a corneal transplant be rejected?
Yes. Because donor tissue is used, there is a risk of graft rejection. Warning symptoms include redness, pain, sensitivity to light and reduced vision. Seek urgent ophthalmic assessment if these occur, as early treatment may help preserve the graft.
Will I still need glasses after surgery?
You may still require glasses or contact lenses following transplantation. The need for visual correction depends on your procedure, healing and any remaining refractive error or irregular astigmatism.
Are stitches used during surgery?
Penetrating keratoplasty and DALK typically require corneal sutures. DMEK generally does not require corneal graft sutures, as the donor tissue is supported by an air or gas bubble inside the eye.
How do I know which transplant is right for me?
The choice depends on which corneal layers are affected, the severity of disease and other aspects of your eye health. A specialist consultation can help determine the most appropriate treatment.
Ready to discuss your vision?
Take the next step towards clearer vision with personalised specialist care.
Book your consultation