Arlington Heights, IL Corneal Transplants

A corneal transplant, also called keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure that replaces damaged, scarred, or diseased corneal tissue with healthy donor corneal tissue. The goal is to restore clearer vision, reduce pain, and improve the overall health of the eye.

A corneal transplant may be recommended when the cornea becomes cloudy, scarred, swollen, or misshapen and other treatments no longer improve vision. Common reasons include:

• Fuchs' corneal dystrophy
• Keratoconus
• Corneal scarring from injury or infection
• Corneal ulcers
• Corneal swelling
• Complications from previous eye surgery
• Chemical burns or eye trauma

The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. It helps focus light onto the retina so you can see clearly. When the cornea becomes damaged or cloudy, vision can become blurry, distorted, or painful.

Symptoms may include:

• Blurred or distorted vision
• Eye pain
• Light sensitivity
• Excessive tearing
• Corneal scarring
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Vision that cannot be corrected with glasses or contacts

An ophthalmologist can determine whether a corneal transplant or another treatment is appropriate.

Corneal transplant surgery may be recommended for:

• Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy
• Keratoconus
• Corneal edema
• Corneal infections
• Corneal scars
• Bullous keratopathy
• Corneal injuries
• Failed previous corneal transplants

Depending on which layers of the cornea are affected, your ophthalmologist may recommend:

• Full-thickness corneal transplant (penetrating keratoplasty)
• Partial-thickness corneal transplant (lamellar keratoplasty)
• Endothelial keratoplasty, such as DMEK or DSAEK, for certain conditions affecting the inner corneal layer

Your surgeon will recommend the procedure that best fits your diagnosis.

Most corneal transplant procedures take approximately one to two hours and are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.

Recovery varies depending on the type of transplant performed. Some patients notice vision improvement within weeks, while complete healing and stable vision may take several months to a year. Regular follow-up appointments are essential throughout the healing process.

Many patients experience significant improvements in vision after healing is complete. However, some individuals may still require glasses, contact lenses, or additional vision correction to achieve their best possible eyesight.

As with any surgery, there are potential risks, including:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Increased eye pressure
• Corneal graft rejection
• Swelling
• Astigmatism
• Need for additional treatment or surgery

Your ophthalmologist will discuss these risks and explain how they are monitored and managed.

Many corneal transplants remain healthy for decades. Long-term success depends on the underlying eye condition, proper healing, and attending regular follow-up visits.

Corneal graft rejection occurs when the body's immune system recognizes the donor tissue as foreign and begins attacking it. Prompt treatment often improves the chances of saving the transplant, which is why patients should report symptoms such as redness, pain, light sensitivity, or worsening vision immediately.

Possibly. Although the transplant restores a healthy cornea, some patients still need prescription glasses or specialty contact lenses to achieve the sharpest vision possible.

Northwest Eye Physicians provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for corneal diseases using advanced diagnostic technology and individualized treatment plans. Their experienced ophthalmologists care for patients with corneal disorders, corneal injuries, Fuchs' dystrophy, keratoconus, and other conditions requiring specialized corneal care throughout Arlington Heights and the surrounding northwest Chicago suburbs.