CORNEA CARE
Superficial Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty – SALK
SALK is a partial-thickness transplant that replaces superficial diseased tissue. It may be considered when a scar, opacity or dystrophy is limited to the front layers and deeper tissue remains healthy. Precise depth assessment is essential before recommending it.
The aim of SALK is to remove a visually significant superficial opacity while leaving deeper, healthy corneal tissue undisturbed. Anterior-segment imaging can help estimate lesion depth, but the final surgical plan also depends on examination quality, corneal thickness and whether the disease has a tendency to recur.
A carefully matched donor layer is placed on the prepared surface. Depending on its size and depth, it may be supported with sutures or a bandage contact lens. Surface healing is monitored closely because epithelial problems can affect comfort, infection risk and clarity. The interface between donor and host tissue can also influence the final optical result.
1. When may SALK be discussed?
Superficial scars that reduce vision or cause troublesome glare
Selected anterior corneal dystrophies or deposits
Localised surface-layer disease not adequately managed by simpler treatment
2. Assessment and surgical process
Map the lesion depth
Slit-lamp examination and anterior-segment imaging help determine whether deeper stroma and endothelium are clear.
Remove affected tissue
The surgeon prepares a controlled superficial bed and positions a matching thin donor layer.
Protect healing
A bandage lens or sutures may be used according to graft depth; drops and follow-up support epithelial healing.
3. Why a selective graft may help
Healthy tissue is retained
Only the affected anterior layers are replaced rather than the full cornea.
No endothelial replacement
The patient's own inner pump cells remain untouched, avoiding endothelial graft rejection.
Diagnosis is decisive
SALK cannot correct disease that extends too deeply or involves the endothelium.
4. Recovery and limitations
- Early discomfort, light sensitivity, blur and watering may occur while the surface heals
- Interface haze, infection, irregular astigmatism, recurrence of disease or graft rejection are possible
- Final visual improvement depends on graft clarity, surface regularity and the health of the rest of the eye
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
Superficial Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty – SALK — Jaipur FAQs
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Arrange corneal imaging and a specialist assessment at Perfect Vision Laser Eye Hospital, Jaipur.