Corneal Transplant

A corneal transplant is a surgical procedure used when the cornea becomes cloudy or distorted and can no longer provide clear vision, most often due to endothelial failure (such as Fuchs dystrophy), corneal scarring, infection, or trauma. The goal of a corneal transplant is to replace the diseased portion of the cornea with healthy donor tissue to restore clarity, reduce pain, and improve vision. The type of transplant chosen depends on which layers of the cornea are affected.

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DMEK (Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty) and DSAEK (Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty) are partial-thickness transplants used when only the innermost corneal layer (the endothelium) is failing. In both procedures, the patient’s damaged endothelial layer is removed and replaced with donor endothelial tissue. DMEK transplants only Descemet membrane and endothelium, leading to faster visual recovery and more natural vision, while DSAEK includes a thin layer of donor stroma, making it slightly thicker but technically easier in some eyes.

PK (Penetrating Keratoplasty) is a full-thickness corneal transplant used when all layers of the cornea are significantly damaged, such as with severe scarring, advanced keratoconus, or certain infections.

In PK, the entire central cornea is replaced with donor tissue and secured with sutures. Visual recovery is slower compared to DMEK or DSAEK, but PK remains an important option when lamellar techniques are not suitable.