Corneal transplants are the most common and successful transplant surgeries performed in the United States today, with more than 40,000 procedures completed each year.

Corneal transplants may be necessary particularly for patients whose vision is severely impaired due to scarring or a steep curving cornea, those with hereditary corneal failure, corneal failure after another eye surgery, a rejection after first corneal transplant, or for those that have corneal swelling that cannot be relieved with medications or special contact lenses.

Patients that need a corneal transplant will have their name put on a list at the local eye bank. The wait for a cornea is typically short. The replacement cornea is checked for viruses and clarity before being released for transplant. The patient may need to have a physical examination and special tests before surgery.

Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK) and
Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK)

The cornea is the clear front window of the eye that transmits and focuses light allowing us to see clearly. Corneal transplants may be necessary particularly for patients whose vision is severely impaired due to corneal clouding, distortion and scarring.

Corneal transplants are the most common and successful transplant surgeries performed in the United States today, with more than 40,000 procedures completed each year. Standard corneal transplant surgery was first developed one hundred years ago, and the wonderful 90% success rate reported today is based on numerous refinements to this same basic technique. It has certainly stood the test of time. Doctors Richard D. Grutzmacher and Patricia B. Sierra have successfully completed thousands of Penetrating Keratoplasties and hundreds of the newer DSEK (Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty) procedures.

The most common conditions requiring corneal transplants include: corneal clouding from previous eye surgeries, hereditary conditions, abnormal corneal shape, severe scarring resulting from prior eye infections or injuries and corneal transplant rejection. Our doctors will take the time to educate you on the best course of action for your individual needs.

Patients that need a corneal transplant will have their name put on a list at the local eye bank. The wait for a cornea is typically short. The replacement cornea is checked for viruses and clarity before being released for transplant.