Types of Cornea Transplants

Penetrating Keratoplasty

PK is a full-thickness cornea transplant. This procedure is done while under local or general anesthesia. A special tool is used to remove a circular piece of the damaged tissue, which is then replaced by donor tissue. The new corneal tissue is held together by small stitches and most patients require a single night hospital stay following the procedure.

Endothelial Keratoplasty

EK is the process of transplanting the back part of the cornea. There are two main techniques to perform this surgery, Descemet’s Stripping ENdothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK), and Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK). DSEK replaces the inner lining of the cornea, making up about 30% of the whole cornea. DMEK replaces only the inner layer of cells in the cornea. Both of these procedures allow for a faster recovery of vision and come with a lower risk of complications. Instead of stitches, this procedure allows for the donor tissue to be held in place with the use of an air bubble.

Boston Keratoprosthesis

BK is a procedure that involves donor tissue as well as a device. During the implantation, the small device is made up of two plates with donor corneal tissue in the middle. This surgery is often combined with other procedures and is the primary route of treatment for cases of repeat graft failure and pediatric corneal opacities.

Most patients who receive a corneal transplant will have vision at least partially returned. It is important for patients who have undergone this procedure to follow-up regularly with an eye doctor to monitor progress and prevent complications. Once your cornea is healed, several weeks after the procedure, your eye doctor can make improvements to vision by correcting unevenness in the cornea or prescribing corrective lenses or contacts.

Call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Haider today to find out if one of these procedures could be of benefit to your vision.