020 3993 1279Corneal Transplant
Restore Clarity to Your Vision: Discover the Life-Changing Benefits of Corneal Transplant Surgery without the long waiting time
A corneal transplant, also known as keratoplasty or corneal graft, is a surgical procedure to replace damaged or diseased corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue. This operation aims to improve vision, relieve pain, and treat severe infection or damage to the cornea.
Book a ConsultationCorneal transplantation is a vital surgical procedure designed to replace damaged or diseased corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue.
This surgery can restore vision and alleviate symptoms caused by a range of corneal conditions, including corneal scars left by infections or injury, inherited corneal diseases, and shape abnormalities.
At OCL Vision, we offer expert care with a range of corneal transplant techniques tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your vision and eye health.
What is corneal transplant surgery?
Corneal transplantation is a procedure where all or part of the cornea—the clear, front part of the eye—is replaced with healthy tissue from a donor.
This surgery can restore vision affected by various conditions, including infections, injuries, inherited diseases such as Fuchs’ dystrophy, relieve pain or changes in corneal shape due to keratoconus or pellucid marginal degeneration.
Depending on the condition, your surgeon may recommend a specific type of corneal transplants:
- Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK): A full-thickness transplant where the damaged central cornea is replaced with a donor cornea
- Lamellar surgery (DALK): A partial thickness transplant that leaves behind the patients own inner corneal layer (endothelium and Descemet's membrane) and replace the front layer of the cornea. DALK is preferred in cases of keratoconus.
- Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) or Descemet Stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK): A procedure that transplants just the the internal cell layer cornea, which is incredibly thin (10microns) for corneal clarity. DMEK is the preferred technique for Fuchs’ dystrophy.
benefits of corneal transplant surgery?
Discover the benefits of Corneal Transplant Surgery and the different treatments available at OCL Vision
- Restored vision: Effective in improving or restoring vision for many conditions that impair the cornea’s clarity.
- Restored corneal shape and clarity: Scars, hazy tissue and shape abnormalities are removed by the transplant and replaced with normal corneal tissue.
- Reduced risk of complications: Partial thickness transplants, like lamellar surgery and DMEK, have faster recovery times and lower rates of rejection.
- Personalised care: Treatment is tailored to individual needs, ensuring the best possible outcome based on your specific corneal condition.
Our expert surgeons
OCL Vision has 6 consultant corneal surgeons who have all trained in the UK and completed specialist fellowship training in corneal transplantation. All are experts in this specialist field.
Waiting times for donor tissue
OCL Vision holds a tissue licence from the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) which regulates donor tissue provision in the UK. All tissue is obtained from the HTA approved Miracles in Sight tissue bank in the USA and undergoes stringent testing to international standards.
Tissue waiting times are only 1 week.
Cost
How much is corneal transplant surgery cost?
- Initial consultation starting from £350
- Follow-up appointments
- Personalised Treatment Plan
From
£10,000
Indicative Finance From
£185 p/m
PATIENT JOURNEY
What is the process of corneal transplant surgery?
Find out more about the process of corneal transplant surgery, from initial consultation to aftercare and recovery.
Bespoke Consultation
At your first consultation, you'll meet our team of specialist technicians, opticians, and your chosen expert surgeon. The 90-minute consultation includes a thorough eye examination using advanced diagnostic equipment. We'll assess your vision and discuss your lifestyle to recommend the most suitable treatment, for you to make an informed decision.
Personalised Treatment
We believe in a personalised approach, customising each treatment to meet your unique visual needs. This ensures you receive the best possible procedure for your eyes and vision. Trust is paramount when it comes to your eyes, and we are committed to honesty and transparency, offering evidence-based treatments that prioritise your well-being.
Preparing for surgery
Our team will guide you through any necessary paperwork and explain how to use your post-operative eye drops, as well as how to best look after your eyes in the days and weeks following surgery. You will meet your surgeon again before the procedure and have ample opportunity to ask any questions.
Procedure
When you arrive for your appointment, our experienced, friendly, and empathetic team of nurses and technicians will welcome you and put you at ease. During the surgery, your surgeon will reassure you and talk you through each step, helping you feel calm and in control. Please expect your vision to be blurry, we advise you not to drive.
Aftercare & Results
Thanks to our advanced techniques and state-of-the-art technology, you will enjoy perfect vision as early as the next day, depending on your procedure. Follow-up appointments are part of our comprehensive aftercare package and at each appointment we will check your vision and eye health. Our team are accessible should you have any questions or concerns.
Emma Laser Eye surgeryThe way I was dealt by Dr Laginaf was nothing short of outstanding. She went above and beyond and I would like to thank Dr Laginaf for the attention to detail.
Suhail VitrectomyGreat experience with Dr Chien Wong and his team. I needed to have three separate operations to repair a detached retina and poor NHS interventions. Amazing care and treatment and 2 years later still very grateful for their efforts.
Gordon Cataract SurgerySo much care, from the initial enquiry to the final check-up, every team member treats you as if you are the most important person they have ever dealt with. I completed my treatment feeling valued and with better than 20/20 vision.
Read our eye surgery reviews
Corneal transplant FAQ's
View knowledge baseHow do I know if I need a corneal transplant?
You may need a corneal transplant if you have a condition that affects the clarity or shape of your cornea and causes vision problems which aren’t correctable by glasses or contact lenses. Your ophthalmologist will assess your eye health and recommend the most suitable treatment based on your specific condition.
What are the different types of corneal transplants?
There are several types of corneal transplants:
- Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK): Replaces the entire thickness of the cornea.
- Lamellar Surgery: Transplants only part of the cornea, focusing on the affected layers.
- Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK): Transplants just the back cell layer of the cornea, which is very thin.
How long does the recovery take after corneal transplant surgery?
Recovery time can vary depending on the type of transplant and individual factors. Recovery after DMEK is 1-2 weeks. Recovery after DALK and PK is a process leading to removal of stitches at 18 months after surgery. Eye drops are required to avoid transplant rejection, and these are usually ongoing. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions and support throughout the recovery process.
