Corneal Transplant

Corneal transplantation is used to treat diseases of the cornea. A corneal transplant involves replacing the diseased cornea with that from a deceased donor. This tissue is prepared and certified safe for use by the Lyons Eye Bank.

Sometimes corneal disease is limited to the front or back layer of the cornea and may be treated by a corneal transplant which involves replacing only the diseased portion. Such operations are becoming more common and often allow faster visual recovery. In other patients the entire cornea must be replaced.

Endothelial Keratoplasty (also known as DSAEK or DMEK) is a form of transplant used to replace the delicate inner layer of the cornea through a relatively small incision. These transplants offer faster visual recovery than traditional full thickness transplants and are used where only the inner layer of the cornea is not functioning.

Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK) is a modern technique where the diseased front layers of the cornea are removed and replaced with donor tissue. This operation allows the patient to retain their own inner corneal layers which maintains greater strength in the eye may reduce the likelihood of corneal transplant rejection.

Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK) is the traditional full thickness corneal transplant where all layers of the cornea are removed and replaced with donor tissue. This technique is used where it is technically not possible or desirable to perform a partial corneal graft. Whilst partial transplants are favoured in certain conditions, full thickness corneal grafts often provide the greatest clarity of vision although visual recovery may take 18 months or more.

Each of these techniques has their place in modern corneal surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the best surgical option for managing your condition.