When Would I Need a Corneal Transplant?

A healthy cornea must remain clear, smooth, and properly shaped for you to see well. When disease, injury, or structural changes affect the cornea, vision can decline—sometimes significantly. You may need a corneal transplant if you have:

• Corneal thinning from keratoconus or similar conditions

• Deteriorating endothelial cells due to Fuchs’ dystrophy or other disorders

• Chronic corneal swelling (edema)

• Recurrent corneal infections

• Non‑healing corneal ulcers

• Corneal scarring from trauma or infection

• Corneal tears or structural damage

If your corneal condition does not improve with conservative treatments, a corneal transplant may be the next step to restore clarity and protect your vision.

Types of Corneal Transplant Surgery

Modern corneal surgery is highly advanced, and your ophthalmologist selects the technique that best matches your condition. The main types include:

Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK)

This procedure replaces only the inner layer of the cornea—the endothelium.

• DSEK/DSAEK: Removes and replaces roughly 33% of the cornea, including the endothelium and part of the supporting tissue.

• DMEK: Uses an ultra‑thin layer of donor tissue, offering faster recovery and sharper vision but requiring more surgical precision.

EK is commonly used for conditions like Fuchs’ dystrophy and chronic corneal swelling.

Partial‑Thickness Corneal Transplant (DALK)

Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK) replaces the front and middle layers of the cornea while preserving your healthy endothelium.

DALK is often recommended for keratoconus and other forms of corneal thinning, offering strong long‑term stability and reduced risk of rejection.

Full‑Thickness Corneal Transplant (PK)

Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK) replaces the entire cornea. This approach is best for patients with extensive scarring, severe thinning, or deep corneal damage that affects all layers.

The team at Marano Eye Care explains each option in detail and works closely with you to determine the safest, most effective surgical plan.

Where Does the Donor Cornea Come From?

Donor corneas come from human eye banks after a person’s passing. Before transplantation, the tissue is:

• Thoroughly cleaned

• Rigorously tested

• Evaluated for clarity, health, and safety

Human donor corneas provide the most reliable visual outcomes. In rare cases—such as repeated graft failure or severe ocular surface disease—an artificial cornea (keratoprosthesis) may be recommended to preserve or restore vision.

A Corneal Transplant Can Be Life‑Changing

If you’re experiencing vision loss, corneal scarring, or progressive corneal disease, a corneal transplant may offer a path back to clearer, more comfortable vision.

The specialists at Marano Eye Care are here to guide you through every step of the process. Schedule your consultation online or call the office nearest you today.