The cornea is the eye’s clear, outermost layer that helps focus light and allows you to see the world in sharp detail. When this delicate surface becomes scarred, swollen, or damaged by disease, it can lead to blurred or cloudy vision that glasses or contact lenses can’t fix. At Sacramento Eye Consultants, our specialists perform advanced corneal transplant procedures using the latest techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for vision restoration.

 

Understanding the Cornea

The cornea acts as your eye’s first line of defense and a key component of your visual system. It must remain clear and smooth to properly bend (refract) light onto the retina. Conditions such as keratoconus, corneal scarring, infections, or swelling (corneal edema) can interfere with its transparency and structure.

 

What Is a Corneal Transplant?

A corneal transplant is a surgical procedure that replaces part or all of a damaged cornea with healthy donor tissue. The goal is to improve vision, reduce pain, and restore the normal shape of the cornea.

There are several types of corneal transplants, including:

•          Penetrating Keratoplasty: Replaces all layers of the cornea.

•          Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty and Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty: Replace only the innermost layer of the cornea, allowing for faster recovery and fewer complications.

•          Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty: Removes and replaces the front layers while preserving healthy inner layers.

Your ophthalmologist will determine the best option based on the location and severity of the damage.

 

What to Expect During the Procedure

Corneal transplants are typically performed as outpatient procedures. After numbing the eye with local anesthesia, your surgeon carefully removes the affected tissue and replaces it with donor cornea tissue that’s precisely matched in size and curvature. Fine sutures are used to secure the graft in place.

The surgery itself usually takes one to two hours, and patients can return home the same day. Recovery varies depending on the type of transplant, but most people notice gradual improvement in their vision over several months.

 

Recovery and Aftercare

Following surgery, eye drops are prescribed to prevent infection and rejection of the donor tissue. It’s essential to attend all follow-up visits so your ophthalmologist can monitor healing progress. Patients should avoid rubbing their eyes, strenuous activities, and exposure to irritants until fully healed.

With proper care, most corneal transplant recipients experience significant improvement in vision. While mild rejection is possible, early detection and treatment can prevent long-term complications.

 

Partner with Sacramento Eye Consultants for Expert Corneal Care

A corneal transplant can be life-changing for those struggling with severe corneal damage or disease. Thanks to modern techniques and advanced surgical care, outcomes are safer and more successful than ever before.

If you’re experiencing vision changes, contact Sacramento Eye Consultants to schedule a consultation to learn more whether a corneal transplant is right for you. Contact our office in Sacramento, Folsom, or Lincoln, California, by calling (916) 915-0300 to book an appointment today.