CORNEA CARE
Corneal Transplant Overview
A corneal transplant, or keratoplasty, replaces damaged corneal tissue with donor tissue. Surgery may replace the full corneal thickness or only the diseased layer. The safest technique depends on the diagnosis and examination findings.
The cornea is built in specialised layers. The front epithelium protects the eye, the stroma provides most of its strength and clarity, and the endothelium pumps excess fluid out of the cornea. Understanding which layer has failed allows the surgeon to consider a selective graft instead of replacing healthy tissue unnecessarily.
A transplant is intended to improve corneal clarity or restore structural integrity; it does not correct every cause of poor sight. Before surgery, the lens, retina, optic nerve, eye pressure and ocular surface are assessed. Donor tissue availability, the condition being treated and the urgency of surgery also influence timing. Long-term drops and follow-up remain part of graft care.
1. When may transplantation be considered?
Corneal scarring or irregularity that significantly limits useful vision
Endothelial failure causing persistent swelling and cloudy vision
Structural weakness, perforation risk or disease not controlled by other treatment
2. Planning and treatment pathway
Confirm the affected layer
Slit-lamp examination, corneal imaging, thickness and endothelial assessment help define the problem.
Select the graft type
PK replaces all layers; DALK or SALK treats anterior tissue; DSEK or DMEK replaces diseased endothelium.
Surgery and follow-up
Donor tissue is positioned using sutures or an air or gas bubble, followed by prescribed drops and regular reviews.
3. What patients should understand
Recovery differs
Vision may improve gradually over weeks or months, and stitches can affect recovery after anterior or full-thickness grafts.
Rejection remains possible
Redness, pain, light sensitivity or reduced vision after a graft requires urgent review.
Other eye health matters
Retinal, optic-nerve or surface disease may limit final vision despite a clear graft.
4. Risks and long-term care
- Possible complications include infection, raised pressure, graft failure, rejection and astigmatism
- Anti-rejection drops may be needed for a prolonged period and must not be stopped without advice
- Eye protection, scheduled monitoring and prompt reporting of new symptoms remain important
Corneal transplant comparison
| Procedure | Corneal layer treated | Thickness | Recovery considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| PK | All corneal layers | Full thickness | Longer visual rehabilitation, sutures for extended period |
| DALK | Anterior stroma, endothelium retained | Partial thickness | Avoids endothelial rejection risk |
| SALK | Superficial layers only | Partial thickness | For anterior scars and dystrophies |
| DSEK | Endothelium with posterior stroma | Partial thickness | Faster recovery than PK |
| DMEK | Descemet's membrane and endothelium | Ultra-thin | Technically demanding, careful positioning |
Why choose Perfect Vision Laser Eye Hospital, Jaipur?
- Led by Dr. Virendra Agrawal, MD (Ophthalmology), AIIMS New Delhi, with a full-time specialist team
- Diagnosis-first approach with advanced imaging before any recommendation
- Comprehensive eye services available at one Jaipur centre
- Support for patients travelling from across Rajasthan and outside the state
- Cashless Mediclaim assistance, subject to your policy terms
Your specialists
Dr. Neha Pathak
Consultant Cornea Specialist. MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology) — Fellowship in Cornea & General Ophthalmology, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai · Experience: 11+ Years of Ophthalmology
Surgical excellence, patient safety, evidence-based decision-making and personalised care — with an emphasis on choosing the right treatment for every individual patient.
Dr. Amit Mishra
Senior Consultant — Cataract, Refractive & Glaucoma. MBBS, MS (Ophthalmology) · Experience: 25+ Years of Ophthalmology
Advanced eye care is a balance of proven surgical technique and ongoing learning. Every patient deserves a careful evaluation, a clear explanation of options and a treatment plan built around their individual vision and eye health.
Dr. Virendra Agrawal
Medical Director & Chief Consultant — Cataract & Refractive Surgery. MD (Ophthalmology), DNB, MNAMS, FAICO (Cataract & Refractive Surgery) — Bodh Raj Sabarwal Gold Medalist (AIIMS, New Delhi) · Experience: 30+ Years of Ophthalmology
Every eye is different. The right procedure is the one that fits your cornea, your lens, your retina and the way you use your vision every day — not the one that is most advertised. Technology supports the decision; it never replaces the clinical evaluation.
Patient reviews from Google
Verified public Google reviews for Perfect Vision Laser Eye Hospital – Dr. Virendra Laser Phaco Surgery Centre, Jaipur. Reviews are individual patient opinions and are not a guarantee of similar results.
“Dr Virendra is absolutely amazing and makes you feel really comfortable. I have visited the centre several times for lens fitting after getting my keratoconus treated by Dr Anita Agarwal, and every time the entire staff was really supportive to get me the perfect RGO le s after keratoconus. Thanks to Dr saab and mam for all the efforts.”
“Best eye hospital in jaipur . Came for Keratoconus treatment and consulted with Dr Neha Pathak the cornea specialist who was very helpful. I got C3R operation done and I am satisfied with the results and professional behaviour of the staff”
“The staff here is absolutely amazing. I had my keratoconus treatment from here and i am very satisfied with it. Now, I am very used toh these great lenses also,I would surely recommend you to visit if you have any problem related to eyes.”
Relevant articles
Corneal Transplant Overview — Jaipur FAQs
Related treatments
Cornea Services
Diagnosis and treatment of corneal disease, ectasia and infection.
Read morePenetrating Keratoplasty – PK
Replacement of all corneal layers with donor tissue.
Read moreDeep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty – DALK
Replacement of the anterior corneal layers while retaining the patient's endothelium.
Read moreSuperficial Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty – SALK
Replacement of only the superficial corneal layers.
Read moreDiscuss the appropriate transplant approach
Book a detailed cornea assessment at Perfect Vision Laser Eye Hospital, Jaipur.