If you’re experiencing severe corneal scarring, cloudiness, or distorted vision that glasses or contacts can’t fix, a corneal transplant may be the solution. At NJ Eye and Ear LASIK Center, Dr. Jimmy Hu, a leading corneal specialist, provides expert care to restore clear, healthy vision through advanced transplant techniques.
Overview
A corneal transplant is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy donor tissue to restore clear vision. The cornea, the eye’s transparent outer layer, helps focus light for sharp vision. When it becomes scarred, swollen, or irregular, vision can blur or distort. During the procedure, Dr. Hu carefully removes the affected tissue and replaces it with donor tissue using advanced microsurgical techniques. This restores the cornea’s clarity and function, improving vision and quality of life for eligible patients.
Corneal Transplant Treats:
- Severe corneal scarring from injury or infection
- Advanced keratoconus unresponsive to other treatments
- Corneal swelling due to endothelial cell loss (Fuchs’ dystrophy)
- Corneal cloudiness or irregularity impairing vision
- Thinning or perforation of the cornea
- Failed previous corneal transplant
- Vision loss from hereditary or acquired corneal diseases
Your Corneal Transplant Options
Overview
At NJ Eye and Ear LASIK Center, we offer advanced corneal transplant techniques tailored to your condition. During your consultation, Dr. Hu will perform an evaluation, including detailed imaging and diagnostic tests, to assess the extent and location of your corneal damage. Based on his assessment, Dr. Hu will recommend the best procedure to address your unique needs and restore your vision.
Full-Thickness Corneal Transplant (Penetrating Keratoplasty)
If your cornea is severely scarred or damaged in all layers, a full-thickness corneal transplant may be the solution. During this procedure, the entire damaged cornea is replaced with a healthy donor cornea. The surgeon carefully removes the central portion of your cornea and sutures the donor tissue in place. This procedure restores structural integrity and optical clarity, but recovery can take several months as the cornea heals and stitches dissolve or are removed.
Partial-Thickness Corneal Transplant (DALK)
Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) replaces only the outer and middle layers of the cornea, leaving your healthy endothelial layer intact. This is less invasive than a full-thickness transplant and reduces the risk of rejection since more of your natural tissue is preserved. DALK is suitable for conditions like keratoconus or superficial scarring that do not affect the innermost corneal layer. Healing time is typically faster than a full-thickness transplant.
Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK and DMEK)
If your cornea’s endothelial layer—the innermost layer responsible for maintaining corneal clarity—becomes damaged, endothelial keratoplasty may be recommended. Procedures like Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) replace only the thin endothelial layer with donor tissue. DMEK involves transplanting just the Descemet’s membrane and endothelial cells, offering a faster recovery and lower rejection risk than DSAEK.
Benefits of Corneal Transplant:
- Restores vision lost due to severe corneal damage or disease
- Treats advanced keratoconus, corneal scarring, or swelling
- Provides a permanent solution for many corneal conditions
- Customizable to replace full or partial layers of the cornea
- Improves corneal clarity and optical function
- Reduces reliance on corrective lenses for better vision quality
- Offers excellent success rates with modern surgical techniques
- Allows for donor tissue compatibility to minimize rejection risks
Corneal Transplant FAQs
What is the Success Rate of Corneal Transplants?
Corneal transplants have a high success rate, with over 90% of procedures successful in suitable candidates. However, success depends on factors such as overall eye health, the severity of the condition, and adherence to post-operative care.
How Long Does a Corneal Transplant Take?
The procedure typically takes about one to two hours, depending on the type of transplant. It is performed as an outpatient surgery, so you can return home the same day.
Can I Resume Normal Activities After a Corneal Transplant?
For the first few weeks, you should take it easy to avoid straining your eye. Avoid activities like heavy lifting, bending over, or swimming. After a few weeks, most daily activities can be resumed, but Dr. Hu will provide personalized guidelines based on your recovery.
Will I Need Glasses or Contact Lenses After the Procedure?
Some patients may still need glasses or contact lenses after a corneal transplant, especially if they have residual astigmatism or refractive error. Once the eye has healed, Dr. Hu may recommend corrective options or additional procedures, such as LASIK, to enhance vision.
Schedule Your Consultation
Dr. Jimmy Hu is a board-certified ophthalmologist and corneal specialist with advanced fellowship training from the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Hospital. With extensive experience in corneal transplants and a patient-centered approach, he provides expert care tailored to your unique vision needs. Whether you want to restore your vision or explore your treatment options, schedule your consultation with Dr. Hu today.
