Surgery
Corneal Transplant
A corneal transplant replaces a damaged or diseased cornea (the clear front of the eye) with healthy donor tissue to restore vision.
Quick answer
Corneal Transplant: what it is, why it's done and what happens
A corneal transplant (keratoplasty) replaces all or part of the cornea with tissue from a donor. Modern techniques often replace only the affected layers rather than the full thickness.
- Why it is done: It is used for a cornea that is scarred, clouded, thinned or misshapen — for example from injury, infection, keratoconus or inherited conditions — when this significantly affects vision.
- What happens: Under local or general anaesthetic, the surgeon removes the damaged corneal tissue and stitches or positions donor tissue in its place.
What it is
A corneal transplant (keratoplasty) replaces all or part of the cornea with tissue from a donor. Modern techniques often replace only the affected layers rather than the full thickness.
Why it is done
It is used for a cornea that is scarred, clouded, thinned or misshapen — for example from injury, infection, keratoconus or inherited conditions — when this significantly affects vision.
What happens
Under local or general anaesthetic, the surgeon removes the damaged corneal tissue and stitches or positions donor tissue in its place. The type of graft depends on which layers are affected.
Recovery
Vision improves gradually over months as the eye heals, and stitches may stay in for a long time. Eye drops are used for an extended period, and follow-up monitors for rejection.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
The main risk is rejection of the donor tissue, which can often be treated if caught early. Other risks include infection, raised pressure and astigmatism. Full visual recovery can be slow.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Corneal Transplant: frequently asked questions
Can my body reject a corneal transplant?
Yes, rejection can happen, but the cornea has a relatively low rejection rate and early rejection can often be treated with drops. Report any new redness, pain, light sensitivity or blurring promptly.
How long until my vision improves?
Corneal transplants heal slowly, and vision can take several months, sometimes up to a year or more, to reach its best, particularly with full-thickness grafts.
Related
Other surgery
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- Relevant Royal College / professional body
Building patient-education content for procedures?
We create clear, accurate, referenced medical explainers and decision aids for teams and learners.