Corneal Transplant Surgery (Keratoplasty)
At Goldman Eye, restoring sight through advanced corneal surgery is one of our specialties. Led by Dr. Mark S. Milner, MD, an internationally recognized corneal surgeon, and Dr. Helayna E. Brown, MD, a board-certified fellowship-trained ophthalmologist. Our team performs state-of-the-art corneal transplantation (keratoplasty) to help patients regain clarity, comfort, and confidence in their vision.
While science has not yet made whole eye transplants possible, corneal transplantation — replacing the clear front surface of the eye — has been performed safely and successfully for nearly a century. With modern techniques and precision technology, it is now more effective and comfortable than ever.
Understanding the Cornea and Its Role in Vision
The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. It works like a window, focusing light onto the retina to produce clear images.
When the cornea becomes scarred, swollen, or irregular due to disease, trauma, or infection, it scatters light instead of focusing it, causing blurred or distorted vision.
Unlike other parts of the body, the cornea has no blood vessels, which makes it uniquely suitable for transplantation. Healthy donor tissue can replace damaged tissue and restore clarity — often resulting in dramatically improved vision within weeks.
Why Whole Eye Transplants Aren’t Possible (Yet)
Many patients ask if it’s possible to receive an entire “eye transplant.” Unfortunately, modern medicine has not yet developed a way to reconnect the optic nerve, which carries visual signals from the eye to the brain.
This nerve contains over one million microscopic fibers, and once they are severed, they cannot regenerate or be reattached.
While research continues, current science allows us to replace the cornea — the eye’s outermost layer — with donor tissue while preserving the rest of the eye’s natural anatomy.
That’s why when someone says they’ve had an “eye transplant,” they’re actually referring to a corneal transplant.
What Is a Corneal Transplant?
A corneal transplant, also known as keratoplasty, involves removing a portion of your damaged or diseased cornea and replacing it with healthy donor tissue from an eye bank.
The procedure can restore vision, reduce pain, and improve the appearance of a damaged or opaque cornea.
At Goldman Eye, we tailor every transplant to the individual, selecting the most appropriate surgical technique based on your condition, corneal thickness, and overall eye health.
Conditions Treated with Corneal Transplantation
Corneal transplantation may be recommended if you suffer from one of the following conditions:
- Keratoconus (thinning and bulging of the cornea)
- Corneal scarring from infection or injury
- Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy
- Corneal edema or swelling
- Corneal failure after previous surgery
- Hereditary corneal diseases or degenerations
Our surgeons will evaluate your case using Pentacam imaging, specular microscopy, and OCT mapping to determine the ideal treatment path.
Types of Corneal Transplant Procedures
There are several forms of corneal transplantation, each designed to address specific layers or types of damage. Goldman Eye offers all modern techniques, including full- and partial-thickness approaches:
The Corneal Transplant Procedure
Corneal transplantation is typically performed on an outpatient basis under local or general anesthesia.
Here’s what you can expect:
- 1
The surgeon removes the damaged portion of your cornea using a laser or microsurgical instrument.
- 2Donor tissue, carefully matched in size and curvature, is prepared.
- 3The new cornea is placed and secured using ultra-fine sutures or air bubble positioning (depending on the transplant type).
- 4A protective shield is applied, and most patients return home the same day.
Most patients notice improvement within several weeks, though full recovery and visual stability may take a few months.
Recovery and Aftercare
Postoperative care is essential for healing and long-term success. You will use antibiotic and steroid eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation.
Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye, and wear protective eyewear when sleeping or outdoors.
Follow-up visits are scheduled regularly to monitor healing, remove sutures if necessary, and measure corneal stability.
Many patients experience vision improvement so significant they can return to reading, driving, and other visual tasks they had struggled with for years.
Risks and Complications
Corneal transplantation is one of the most successful transplant procedures in all of medicine, but potential risks include:
- Rejection of the donor cornea
- Infection or inflammation
- Swelling or irregular astigmatism
- Suture complications or graft failure
Fortunately, with modern lamellar techniques (DMEK, DSAEK, DALK), the rejection rate is below 5%, and most issues can be treated promptly with medication.
Our team provides detailed instructions and support to ensure optimal healing and lasting visual outcomes.
Amniotic Membrane Transplantation (AMT)
In some cases, Goldman Eye may use amniotic membrane transplantation to help heal surface injuries or corneal ulcers.
This technique uses the inner layer of a donated placenta (the amnion) as a biological “bandage,” promoting tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation.
AMT can be temporary or permanent, and is often used alongside corneal surgery to speed recovery and comfort.
Why Choose Goldman Eye for Corneal Transplantation
- Expertise: Both Dr. Milner and Dr. Brown are nationally recognized corneal specialists with extensive experience in all transplant techniques.
- Technology: Advanced imaging and surgical systems ensure precision and safety.
- Personalized Care: Every procedure is customized to your diagnosis and visual goals.
- Results: Exceptional success rates and lasting improvement in vision and comfort.
