Corneal Transplant Surgery
Why Choose Our Corneal Surgeons
Choosing the right surgeon is the first step toward a successful corneal transplant. Our team combines advanced training, modern technology, and personal support to deliver outstanding results.
Replacing a cloudy or damaged cornea allows light to focus properly, bringing back the sharpness and clarity you deserve.
Transplant procedures can eliminate the chronic pain, irritation, or tearing caused by many corneal diseases.
Clear vision helps you drive with confidence, move safely through daily life, and enjoy hobbies without limitation.
Our fellowship-trained doctors bring experience from leading institutions such as Johns Hopkins and NYU to our Westwood community.
Whenever possible, we use partial-thickness techniques like DMEK and DALK for quicker healing and better visual outcomes.
From the first consultation through the final follow-up, our entire team guides and supports you on your path to clearer vision.
Corneal Transplant Basics
The cornea must be clear and smoothly curved to focus light. Because it contains several distinct layers, transplant options vary depending on which layers are affected.
This outer protective layer regenerates regularly and defends the eye against infection and injury.
The stroma is the thick, central layer that provides strength and maintains the cornea’s shape.
These inner layers regulate fluid balance, keeping the cornea clear and free of swelling.
Types of Corneal Transplant Procedures
Several surgical techniques are available, each tailored to the location and extent of corneal damage as well as overall eye health.
PK replaces the entire corneal thickness and is often chosen for conditions that involve all layers.
- Advanced keratoconus with thinning and distortion
- Extensive scarring from infection, injury, or chemical burns
- Corneal dystrophies affecting multiple layers
DALK removes most of the stroma while preserving the healthy endothelium, lowering rejection risk and speeding recovery.
- Keratoconus limited to the stromal layer
- Select corneal dystrophies of the stroma
- Superficial scarring that spares inner layers
DSAEK transplants endothelial cells along with a thin layer of donor stroma. The added tissue makes the graft easier to handle but can lengthen recovery slightly.
- Surgical handling is straightforward for the surgeon
- Visual recovery is good, though refractive changes such as mild astigmatism can occur
- Rejection risk is lower than with full-thickness PK
DMEK moves only the donor Descemet’s membrane and endothelial cells, leading to excellent vision and very low rejection rates.
- Faster visual recovery than other transplant types
- Outstanding clarity and minimal optical distortion
- Smaller incisions and the lowest rejection risk of any graft
CTAK is an additive procedure designed for keratoconus. A femtosecond laser creates a channel, and a custom corneal inlay strengthens and reshapes the cornea.
- Preserves most of the natural cornea
- Minimally invasive with rapid healing
- Lower likelihood of graft rejection
- Potentially reversible if future needs change
For select patients with Fuchs’ dystrophy, DSO removes the damaged Descemet’s membrane without adding donor tissue, relying on healthy peripheral cells to repopulate the area.
The Surgical Process
A corneal transplant involves careful planning and individualized care before, during, and after surgery.
Once a transplant is recommended, your name is placed on the eye-bank registry for screened donor tissue. Pre-operative tests confirm that your eyes and overall health are ready.
Most procedures are outpatient. Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia keeps you comfortable.
- The diseased corneal tissue is removed
- The donor graft is positioned precisely
- In endothelial grafts, an air bubble helps the tissue adhere
Vision improves gradually, and complete recovery can take months. Following your care plan is essential for success.
- Medication regimen to prevent rejection and infection
- Scheduled follow-up visits for monitoring and suture care
- Protective measures such as avoiding eye rubbing or heavy lifting
Risks and How We Manage Them
Corneal transplants have high success rates, yet all surgery carries some risks. Early recognition and prompt care keep complications rare.
The immune system can react to donor tissue, especially after full-thickness PK. Early symptoms include redness, pain, and blurred vision.
Loose or broken sutures in PK or DALK can cause discomfort or infection. Regular examinations allow timely adjustment or removal.
Changes in corneal curvature after surgery may require glasses, rigid contact lenses, or laser enhancement for the sharpest vision.
Strict sterilization makes infection rare. If it occurs, antibiotic drops typically resolve the problem without lasting harm.
Additional risks include elevated eye pressure, bleeding, or, in uncommon cases, graft failure. Skilled surgical technique and careful follow-up minimize these concerns.
Innovations in Corneal Transplant Surgery
Ongoing advances focus on precision, safety, and faster recovery for our patients.
This laser creates exact incisions and channels, improving graft fit and shortening healing time in procedures such as CTAK.
Refined lab techniques reduce donor tissue loss and ensure each graft meets strict quality standards, especially in DMEK.
When needed, corneal transplantation can be combined with cataract removal or toric lens implantation to address multiple vision issues in one surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following answers address common concerns about corneal transplantation.
The choice depends on which corneal layers are affected. After a detailed examination, we recommend the procedure that best matches your condition and goals.
Recovery time varies. DMEK often provides quick visual improvement, while PK may require several months before vision stabilizes fully.
Use prescribed eye drops, keep all follow-up appointments, and report any redness, pain, or vision changes right away.
Many patients still use glasses or rigid contact lenses to fine-tune vision. Some may be eligible for laser correction once healing is complete.
Full-thickness grafts often last 15 to 20 years. Partial-thickness procedures show promising longevity and may last even longer with proper care.
Partner With Our Experienced Corneal Surgeons
A corneal transplant is a life-changing procedure that deserves expert care. Our fellowship-trained specialists combine advanced techniques with decades of experience to help you achieve clear, comfortable vision. We look forward to guiding you on your journey to better sight.
They did a very thorough analysis and found I had a scratched cornea. This will be my new go to for optometry.
Paula Clark
Patient at Westwood Ophthalmology for almost 10 years. Dr. Pagan is my ophthalmologist, she is wonderful. I saw Dr. Lee recently for cornea surgery and follow-up. He is competent and caring.
Beth Cruz
excellent surgeon . very satisfied with cornea transplant.
Greg
Very pleasant visit, my wife and I enjoyed our visit with Dr. Kirszrot very much. He explained everything to us In detail. We highly recommend him!
Glenn S.
Dr. was thorough in checking my son’s eyes after an accident that affected his eye. We are thankful for her expertise.
Janine and Steve OConnor