New Eyes Las Vegas
Corneal Transplant in Southern Nevada
Corneal disease can cloud or distort your vision, but a corneal transplant can restore clarity. Our fellowship-trained surgeons perform this procedure as an outpatient surgery.
- Four transplant techniques available, matched to your specific condition
- Outpatient procedure with same-day discharge
- Results can last over 10 years
Symptoms
Am I a Candidate for Corneal Transplant?
A number of conditions can damage the cornea to the point where a transplant becomes the best path to clearer vision.
Trauma or Injury
Physical damage to the cornea from an accident or injury.
Fuchs' Dystrophy
A progressive disease that causes the cornea to swell over time.
Corneal Scarring
Scar tissue that clouds vision, often from infection or injury.
Keratoconus
A thinning, cone-shaped bulge in the cornea that distorts vision.
Post-Surgical Swelling
Corneal swelling that can develop after a prior eye surgery.
Contact Lens Infection
Serious corneal infections linked to contact lens wear.
When a transplant becomes necessary: Less invasive treatments are typically tried first. When glasses, medication, or other procedures can’t restore clear vision, a corneal transplant may be the most effective option left for reducing vision loss.
About the Procedure
What is Corneal Transplant?
A corneal transplant replaces a diseased or damaged cornea with healthy donor tissue, restoring clarity that other treatments couldn’t achieve. It’s typically considered only after less invasive options, like corrective eyewear or medication, haven’t resolved the problem.
The procedure is performed by fellowship-trained corneal surgeons and requires a level of precision beyond most other eye surgeries. Depending on which layers of the cornea are affected, your surgeon may replace the full cornea or only the damaged layer, preserving as much of your natural tissue as possible.
Corneal transplantation is done as an outpatient procedure, so most patients return home the same day.
Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK)
Penetrating Keratoplasty is the replacement of the cornea with a graft derived from a human donor. Corneal transplantation requires skill and dexterity that is far beyond what is required in other types of eye surgery. Dr. Kaufman is a fellowship-trained surgeon who is expert in performing these complex procedures. A corneal transplant may become necessary as the last option, should vision improvement not be achieved with corrective eyewear or other treatment options. Dr. Kaufman will do his best to avoid the need for corneal transplantation using less invasive procedures such as DSEK.
Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK)
DSEK, also known as a partial-thickness corneal transplant, is an alternative to the corneal graft transplant (PK). This procedure involves replacing only the thin endothelial layer of the cornea with donor endothelial tissue. The wound after this procedure heals faster than after full corneal transplant, and vision returns much sooner. There is also less risk of tissue rejection because the majority of the cornea remains in place.
Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK)
Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK) is a particularly useful technique in cases such as when a patient has a less advanced form of keratoconus or a mild corneal scar. Like DSEK, DALK is a partial-thickness corneal transplant—however, DALK only replaces the outer layers of the cornea (epithelium). Compared to a full corneal transplant, this method enables patients to regain their vision more rapidly, and has a lower chance of corneal graft rejection.
Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK)
Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) is another type of partial-thickness corneal transplant. This technique is extremely similar to DSEK, with the exception of the donor tissue used during implantation—DMEK does not use any stromal tissue when replacing the endothelial layer. For many patients, this technique can provide faster recovery times and better resulting vision. Unfortunately, there is also occasionally a higher risk of complications associated with this type of transplant, so Dr. Kaufman will be sure to thoroughly discuss the benefits and limitations of each technique with you to ultimately determine the best approach for your individual case.
Your Options
Choose the Right Transplant Technique
Which layers of your cornea need replacing determines which approach is right for you.
Full-Thickness Option
Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK)
- Replaces the entire cornea with donor tissue
- Used when partial-thickness options aren't suitable
- Longer recovery than partial-thickness techniques
- Reserved for more advanced corneal damage
Partial-Thickness Option
Partial-Thickness: DSEK, DALK & DMEK
- Replaces only the damaged layer of the cornea
- Faster healing and quicker return of vision
- Lower risk of tissue rejection
- DMEK can offer the clearest results, though with a somewhat higher complication rate than DSEK
Dr. Kaufman will recommend the least invasive technique that can still restore your vision, reserving full-thickness transplants for cases that need it.
Step by Step
Your Corneal Transplant Journey
From evaluation to long-term results, here's what to expect.
Evaluation Appointment
- Comprehensive eye exam
- Diagnosis of the underlying corneal condition
- Review of less invasive options first
- Selection of the most appropriate transplant technique
Surgery Day
- Performed as an outpatient procedure
- Damaged corneal tissue removed and replaced with donor tissue
- Same-day discharge, though driving isn't allowed
Recovery
- Medicated eye drops to support healing
- Frequent follow-up visits early on, tapering off over time
- Full visual recovery can take a few months or longer
Long-Term Results
- Clearer vision, often free of the swelling or scarring that caused the damage
- Results typically last over 10 years
- Ongoing eye exams to monitor long-term eye health
Results
Expected Outcomes & Recovery
A corneal transplant is a well-established treatment for restoring vision lost to corneal disease. Here's what patients typically experience.
Restored Clarity
Vision can reach as good as 20/20 in some patients once healing is complete.
Gradual Improvement
Full visual recovery often takes a few months or longer.
Same-Day Discharge
Most patients go home the day of surgery, though not able to drive.
Long-Lasting Results
Outcomes typically last over 10 years with regular eye exams.
What Patients Can Expect in Recovery
- Medicated eye drops used consistently during healing
- Frequent follow-up visits in the weeks right after surgery
- Visits taper off as healing progresses
- Vision continues to sharpen over several months
- Avoid driving until your surgeon confirms it's safe
Corneal Transplant
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a full and partial corneal transplant?
A full-thickness transplant (PK) replaces the entire cornea, while partial-thickness techniques like DSEK, DALK, and DMEK replace only the damaged layer. Partial-thickness procedures generally heal faster and carry a lower risk of rejection.
How long does recovery take after a corneal transplant?
Most patients go home the same day, though driving isn’t allowed right away. Full visual recovery can take a few months or longer, with follow-up visits scheduled more frequently at first and tapering off over time.
How long do the results of a corneal transplant last?
Results typically last over 10 years. Regular checkups with your eye doctor help monitor the health of the transplant and catch any changes early.
Can my body reject the donor cornea?
Rejection is a known risk with any transplant. Warning signs include vision loss, pain, or redness. When caught early, rejection can often be reversed, so contact your care team right away if you notice these symptoms.
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule A Consultation
If you're ready to experience exceptional eye care, contact us today to schedule your evaluation at any of our Southern Nevada locations.