corneal transplant HOUSTON

Corneal Transplant

Full and Partial-Thickness Corneal Transplant

Corneal transplants can typically help restore clearer vision in patients suffering from corneal disease or corneal damage. During the corneal transplant, Dr. Sura surgically removes the diseased or damaged portion of the cornea and replaces it with a matching donor cornea. Every year, Dr. Sura’s team successfully performs full and partial-thickness cornea transplants for dozens of patients using leading-edge technology.

“I felt absolutely secure during the procedure, and I was very pleased with the results! I highly recommend SuraVision for anyone looking for the best treatment for your eyes.”

V.R.

Understanding Corneal Transplant

The cornea is the transparent front part of the eye and accounts for approximately 70% of the focusing power. If your cornea is damaged by trauma, infection, or disease, it will affect vision and potentially lead to blindness. The good news is we have excellent treatments that can restore your vision. Corneal transplantation techniques have improved significantly over the last decade. During a corneal transplant we replace the affected or diseased portions of the cornea with donor tissue, allowing for visual recovery.

Different Types of Corneal Transplant

DMEK (Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty) – The Descemet’s membrane and associated endothelial cells of the cornea are replaced in this revolutionary technique. It is typically used in patients with Fuchs’ Dystrophy or other causes of endothelial dysfunction. DMEK is so effective that it can return a cornea to its normal state while maintaining excellent vision.

DSEK (Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty) – DSEK replaces the cornea’s innermost layer. It is used when DMEK is not an option due to endothelial failure.

DALK (Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty) – This procedure replaces the cornea’s middle layer while leaving the innermost layer completely intact. DALK has a lower rejection rate than total cornea replacement and can result in good vision for decades. This method is most commonly used in advanced keratoconus or other disease processes that affect the stroma but not the endothelium.

PKP (Penetrating Keratoplasty) – This is a traditional corneal transplant in which the entire cornea is replaced with a donor cornea. It is most effective when all layers of the cornea are affected. Penetrating keratoplasty is extremely effective at restoring vision when it is required.

You may be a good candidate for a corneal transplant if you struggle with:

Keratoconus

Fuchs' dystrophy

Corneal Edema

Scarring of the cornea

Patient-Focused Care is Our Standard (But Don't Take Our Word For It)

Every patient has unique eyes and a unique story. We welcome you to read the stories of the many happy patients we’ve been honored to serve at SuraVision. These individuals made the phone call, made the drive to our office and made the decision to transform their lives through one of the Modern Vision Correction procedures we offer at SuraVision. We invite you to do the same!

Corneal transplant questions? We've got answers.

How successful is a corneal transplant?

A corneal transplant with modern technology and surgical techniques has a high overall success rate. Each technique has advantages and disadvantages. Many factors influence the outcome, including the use of postoperative drops, postoperative follow-up, and the skill level of the surgeon performing the procedure.

When can I return to work after a corneal transplant?

Most patients can return to work within a few days of receiving a corneal transplant. Because the vision is usually still blurry after surgery, only one eye is operated on at a time. It is safe to resume normal activities one to two weeks after surgery. Depending on your surgery and recovery time, you may need to avoid strenuous activities for a longer period of time.

Why would someone need a corneal transplant?

People with advanced keratoconus, corneal scarring, corneal swelling, or other types of corneal blindness may require a corneal transplant to restore their vision.

Is cornea transplant painful?

No. Corneal transplantation is done under the supervision of an anesthesiologist. During your transplant, you will most likely be asleep. Some patients may experience discomfort following the procedure, but this is easily managed with over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol or ibuprofen.

What is a partial-thickness cornea transplant?

Only the diseased layer of the cornea will be replaced with current technology. A partial thickness donor is all that is required. This enables a faster visual recovery with a lower risk of rejection.

What is a full cornea transplant?

A full cornea transplant (penetrating keratoplasty) is a surgical procedure that replaces all of your cornea’s layers with a donor corneal graft. A penetrating keratoplasty is reserved for diseases that affect all layers of the cornea due to improved modern techniques.

Does insurance cover cornea transplant?

Health insurance frequently covers corneal transplants. We will work with your insurance company directly to determine your benefits and any out-of-pocket expenses. Any costs that you will be responsible for will be discussed with you prior to scheduling your surgery.

Can I get a corneal transplant if I don’t have medical insurance?

Yes. We have been able to help several patients without insurance restore their vision through corneal transplantation. We will work directly with you to make that happen.

How long does it take to recover from a corneal transplant?

Everyone is different, but you should be able to return to work or your normal routine within 1 to 2 weeks of surgery. You must refrain from engaging in strenuous activities for four weeks, or until Dr. Sura says it is safe.

Start with a consultation.

Your initial consultation includes a full diagnostic workup using seven different tests and the latest technology. You’ll then sit down personally with Dr. Sura, your surgeon, and discuss if we need to perform a full or partial-thickness cornea transplant, along with other valuable information regarding the health of your eyes.

See your biggest, brightest life.

We encourage you to schedule a thorough assessment with us to find out if you qualify for a corneal transplant. Don’t put it off any longer — now is the best time. Our patients frequently wonder why they waited so long to enjoy clear, crisp vision.

713-730-2020

corneal transplant HOUSTON