corneal transplant

A corneal transplant is when part of the cornea is replaced surgically. This may be necessary because of corneal opacities from past infections, traumatic scars, or decompensation of the cornea from prior intraocular surgeries. Several congenital abnormalities, such as keratoconus, may also need a corneal transplant to rehabilitate vision. Traditionally, a full thickness corneal transplant involves removing the central cornea and replacing it with a donor corneal button. This is done with extremely small stitches under a surgical microscope. These stitches are usually removed one by one over time. Certain conditions, such as Fuchs’ Dystrophy, require only partial corneal transplants (called a DSEK) and have a much faster healing time.  Because of advances in contacts and cataract surgery, corneal transplants are done much less often these days.  This type of surgery is usually performed by a corneal specialist.