A healthy cornea is important for clear vision because this outer surface of your eye controls how light enters the eye. When there is damage to the cornea, your vision will suffer. Sometimes the damage is so severe that a corneal transplant becomes necessary. This process works by removing all or part of the cornea and replacing it with healthy donor tissue from an eye bank.
Types of Corneal Transplant
At Atlanta Vision Cataract and Laser Center, our specialists perform corneal transplants in Atlanta. Depending on the severity of your problem, we may recommend a:
- Full thickness corneal transplant (penetrating keratoplasty or PK) to replace the entire cornea for serious injuries or damage.
- Partial thickness corneal transplant (Descement’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty or DSAEK) which replaces only the damaged or diseased section of the cornea, keeping the undamaged tissues intact.
Symptoms of Corneal Damage
The cornea can become damaged or diseased due to many different reasons:
- Thinning, causing a cone-shaped cornea (keratoconus)
- Inflammation (keratitis)
- Cell deterioration (Fuchs’ dystrophy)
- Injuries
- Allergies
- Infection
- Dry eye
- Protein deposits (lattice dystrophy)
- Shingles
- Ocular herpes
- Pinkish growth (pterygium)
- Inward-facing eyelashes causing scarring (trichiasis)
Risks of Corneal Transplant
Our doctors will fully explain the risks of corneal transplants such as rejection of the new tissue, infection, glaucoma, cataracts and corneal swelling. If you or a loved one has sustained corneal damage, contact us to learn more about your options.
Corneal Transplant FAQs
What is a corneal transplant?
A corneal transplant is a procedure that removes all or part of a damaged cornea and replaces it with healthy donor tissue from an eye bank. The goal is to restore clearer vision when corneal disease, injury, or scarring affects how light enters the eye.
How do I know if corneal damage could be affecting my vision?
Corneal issues can develop from many causes, including keratoconus, inflammation (keratitis), Fuchs’ dystrophy, injuries, infections, dry eye, shingles, ocular herpes, and other conditions that impact the cornea’s clarity or shape. If your vision has worsened or your eye has ongoing irritation, an evaluation can determine whether the cornea is involved.
What’s the difference between a full-thickness and partial-thickness corneal transplant?
A full-thickness corneal transplant (penetrating keratoplasty/PK) replaces the entire cornea and is often recommended for severe damage. A partial-thickness corneal transplant, such as DSAEK (Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty), replaces only the diseased inner portion while keeping healthy corneal tissue intact.
Who might need a corneal transplant?
You may be a candidate if the cornea is significantly damaged or diseased and other treatments are not expected to improve vision. Common reasons include progressive corneal thinning, corneal scarring from injury or infection, and certain corneal dystrophies that affect corneal clarity.
What are the risks of corneal transplant surgery?
Your doctor will review risks in detail, which can include rejection of the donor tissue, infection, glaucoma, cataracts, and corneal swelling. Following your post-op instructions and attending follow-up visits helps monitor healing and reduce complications.
How do I get started with a corneal transplant consultation in Atlanta?
The best first step is an eye exam and corneal evaluation to confirm the cause and severity of the problem and discuss which transplant approach may be appropriate. You can contact us to schedule a consultation.