CORNEA CARE
Penetrating Keratoplasty – PK
Penetrating Keratoplasty is a full-thickness corneal transplant. A circular area of diseased central cornea is removed and replaced with donor tissue secured with fine sutures. PK may be considered when damage extends through several corneal layers and a selective transplant cannot adequately address it.
PK is generally reserved for situations in which disease is not confined to one removable layer. Examples can include dense full-thickness scarring, severe thinning, some infections that threaten the integrity of the eye, or a previous graft that has failed. The reason for surgery influences both urgency and expected rehabilitation.
After the donor tissue is sutured into place, the corneal curve continues to change as the wound heals. Refraction and astigmatism are therefore reviewed repeatedly rather than judged immediately. Individual sutures may be adjusted or removed when clinically appropriate. Protective eyewear is important because the graft junction never regains the strength of an untouched cornea.
1. When may PK be recommended?
Deep or full-thickness corneal scarring
Advanced corneal disease affecting both the front layers and endothelium
Severe thinning, perforation or a failed previous graft where full-thickness replacement is needed
2. What happens around surgery?
Detailed assessment
Corneal findings, eye pressure, lens and retinal health are reviewed to estimate visual potential and surgical risk.
Full-thickness replacement
The surgeon removes the affected central cornea and sutures the donor button into position.
Gradual rehabilitation
Drops control inflammation and reduce rejection risk; sutures are monitored and may be adjusted or removed over time.
3. How PK differs from layer-specific surgery
All layers are replaced
PK can treat disease extending through the complete corneal thickness.
Longer visual recovery
Sutures and changing corneal shape can cause astigmatism, so vision may take many months to stabilise.
Stronger lifelong precautions
The graft-host junction remains vulnerable to significant trauma even after healing.
4. Risks and warning symptoms
- Risks include rejection, infection, wound problems, raised pressure, cataract and irregular astigmatism
- Contact the eye team urgently for redness, pain, light sensitivity or a sudden fall in vision
- Glasses, contact lenses or further procedures may be needed for the best corrected vision
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
Penetrating Keratoplasty – PK — Jaipur FAQs
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Diagnosis and treatment of corneal disease, ectasia and infection.
Read moreCorneal Transplant Overview
Replacing diseased corneal tissue with healthy 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 moreAssess whether PK is appropriate
Arrange a corneal examination and discussion of full-thickness and selective alternatives.