Corneal transplantation (or penetrating keratoplasty {PK})  is suggested in a number of corneal disorders including advanced keratoconus, corneal swelling, scars, and dystrophies. With subspecialty fellowship training in corneal surgery and years of transplantation experience, we work to give you the best possible outcome.

What is a corneal transplant?

In corneal transplantation, the entire cornea is removed and replaced with a donor cornea.  In cases where the cornea has become swollen, clouded, scarred, or irregular as a result of diseases such as keratoconus, infection, or previous eye surgery, a corneal transplant is sometimes necessary to restore functional vision.  Corneas used for transplantation have been donated to the eye bank from a deceased person.  All corneas are carefully screened and prepared by the eye bank.  At CLEI, we work very closely with the Lions Eye Bank of  New Jersey as well as other national eye banks.      

What are the chances of a success?

The overall success rate of a corneal transplant is about 85%.  However, there are many factors that influence the outcome.  For instance, keratoconus has one of the best prognoses for good vision with a greater than 90% chance of a clear graft.  Other eye diseases such as  glaucoma or retina problems may effect the visual result even if the surgery is successful.  In addition, the eye must be monitored for signs of graft rejection.

In most cases, vision returns very gradually after surgery.  Also, the healing process may vary greatly from one individual to the next.  Some patients may enjoy improved vision within a few weeks after surgery; for others, it may take up to a year.  Glasses or contact lenses are still necessary after most corneal transplants.  As discussed below, a variety of vision correction procedures may also be useful.

What does surgery entail?

The procedure usually takes approximately one hour and is performed with either general or local anesthesia on an outpatient basis.  After the surgery, you will go home with your eye covered by a patch and plastic shield to protect the eye.  When you see us the day after surgery, we will start your medicated eyedrops.  You may use drops for a year after surgery to prevent rejection of the transplant.  Stitches may remain in the cornea for several years in some cases. 

Can vision be further corrected after corneal transplants?

            In addition, at the Cornea and Laser Eye Institute, we have particular interest in  visual correction after transplantation.  A variety of techniques may help improve vision in patients who have already had a corneal transplant.  Such techniques include:

Post Transplant Contact Lenses :  Specialized contact lens fitting may dramatically reduce astigmatism and improve vision after corneal transplants.

Excimer Laser PRK :  In selected patients, reshaping the transplant using the photorefractive keratectomy technique can improve visual acuity without glasses or contact lenses.

LASIK :  As with PRK, the LASIK technique is useful in some patients after corneal transplantation.

Conductive Keratoplasty (CK) :  CK uses radiofrequency energy to reshape the cornea.

Astigmatic Keratotomy :  Many patients after transplantation suffer astigmatism.  Revising the transplant wound, sometimes with suturing, can diminish transplant astigmatism.

All patients with corneal transplants are different. A full evaluation, therefore, is necessary to arrive at the proper plan for vision correction.