What is a Corneal Transplant?

A corneal transplant is surgery to replace the clear surface on the front of the eye (the cornea).   In corneal transplant surgery, Dr. Linda L. Burk removes the central portion of the cloudy cornea and replaces it with a clear cornea, usually donated through an eye bank. Dr. Burk places the new cornea in the opening and sews it with a very fine suture. The suture stays in for months or even years until the eye heals thoroughly (removing the suture is quite simple and can easily be done in our office). Following surgery, eye drops to help promote healing will be needed for a few months.

Corneal transplantation is recommended for:

• Inherited corneal thinning (keratoconus) with visual distortion
• Scarring of the cornea from severe infections or injuries
• Inherited or acquired corneal clouding (Fuch’s dystrophy) with visual loss