Corneal and Ocular Surface Diseases

Corneal transplantation, also known as keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure where the damaged or diseased cornea is replaced by donor corneal tissue. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface of the eye that helps to focus light, allowing us to see clearly. When it becomes cloudy, scarred, or distorted due to injury or disease, vision can be severely impaired.

Corneal transplantation restores vision by replacing the damaged cornea with healthy tissue from a donor. This surgery is one of the most successful types of transplants, with a high success rate.

"Mahajan Eye Centre is one of the few centres registered with Government under THOA Act for Corneal Transplantation. The ultra-advanced setup at MEC also involves availability of Microkeratome for automated Lamellar Corneal Transplants and Femtosecond Laser for Advanced Femtolaser assisted Keratoplasty procedures."

There are several reasons why a patient might need a corneal transplant, including:

  • Corneal Scarring: Injuries or infections that leave scars on the cornea can make it cloudy.
  • Keratoconus: A progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea, which distorts vision.
  • Fuchs’ Dystrophy: A hereditary condition that causes the inner layer of the cornea (endothelium) to break down and swell, resulting in cloudy vision.
  • Corneal Ulcers: Severe infections that can cause perforations or scarring of the cornea.
  • Post-Cataract Surgery Complications: In some rare cases, cataract surgery can lead to corneal decompensation, necessitating a transplant.
  • Herpes Simplex Keratitis: A viral infection that can lead to corneal scarring or damage.

There are several types of corneal transplantation procedures, depending on which layers of the cornea are affected.


1. Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK)

This is the most traditional form of corneal transplantation, where the entire cornea is replaced. It is typically used for severe damage affecting multiple layers of the cornea. Although effective, PK requires a longer recovery time as all layers of the cornea are involved.

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2. Lamellar Keratoplasty (LK) and Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK)

This involves replacing only a portion of the cornea rather than the entire thickness, typically for diseases that affect the front layers of the cornea. This procedure can be performed with a microkeratome or femtosecond laser, allowing precise control over the thickness of the tissue being removed.

In DALK, only the outer and middle layers of the cornea are replaced, leaving the healthy inner layer intact. DALK is typically used for conditions that affect the cornea’s outer layers, such as keratoconus. This technique reduces the risk of graft rejection since the patient’s own endothelium remains.


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3. Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK and DMEK)

This type of transplant replaces only the innermost layer of the cornea, the endothelium, which is responsible for maintaining the fluid balance in the cornea.

  • DSAEK (Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty) involves transplanting a thin layer of the cornea, including the endothelium and part of the stroma.
  • DMEK (Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty) is a more advanced procedure that involves replacing only the endothelium, resulting in faster recovery and better visual outcomes.

Both DSAEK and DMEK have a faster recovery time than traditional PK and are commonly used for conditions like Fuchs' dystrophy.

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1. Consultation and Examination Your surgeon will perform a comprehensive eye exam, including corneal topography, specular microscopy, and Pentacam imaging, to evaluate the health of your cornea and decide the most appropriate type of transplant for your condition.

2. Donor Cornea Healthy donor corneal tissue is obtained from an eye bank, which carefully screens the cornea for any diseases or defects. At Mahajan Eye Centre, we have tie-ups with multiple eye banks, ensuring access to high-quality donor tissue.

3. Surgery The surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure. The damaged part of your cornea is removed, and the donor cornea is carefully placed and stitched into position. Depending on the procedure, recovery times can vary, with full recovery taking anywhere from a few weeks to several months.


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4. Post-Operative Care After surgery, regular follow-ups are essential to ensure the graft heals correctly and to manage any potential complications. Your doctor will prescribe eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.

Recovery from corneal transplantation can vary depending on the type of surgery:

  • For PK, full visual recovery may take up to a year.
  • For DALK, recovery is quicker, with most patients achieving good vision within a few months.
  • DMEK and DSAEK procedures offer the fastest recovery times, with many patients regaining useful vision within 4-6 weeks.

As with any surgery, there are risks, such as:

  • Graft Rejection: Although rare, the body can sometimes reject the donor cornea. Symptoms of rejection include redness, sensitivity to light, decreased vision, and pain. Early detection is key, and timely treatment can often reverse rejection.
  • Infection or Inflammation
  • Astigmatism: Some patients may develop astigmatism after surgery, which may require corrective lenses or further procedures to correct.

At Mahajan Eye Centre, we are proud to offer world-class corneal transplantation services. We are registered with the Govt. of NCT Delhi for corneal transplantation and have tie-ups with multiple eye banks to ensure the timely availability of healthy donor corneas.

Our centre is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and surgical technologies, including:

  • Pentacam for detailed corneal imaging and analysis.
  • Corneal Topography to map the surface of the cornea.
  • Specular Microscope to assess the health of the corneal endothelium.
  • Microkeratome for precision in lamellar procedures.
  • Femtosecond Laser for femto-assisted corneal transplants, offering unparalleled precision and faster recovery times.

Our state-of-the-art equipment combined with the expertise of team ensures that patients receive the highest quality of care during their corneal transplantation journey.

Why Mahajan Eye Centre?

Expertise and Experience

Our experienced surgeons have been performing Corneal Transplantation Surgeies for decades, ensuring high success rates and patient satisfaction.

Advanced Technology

Our investment in latest technology (Oculus Pentacam, Microkeratome, Zeiss Lumera microscope etc.) enables us to provide safer, precise, and efficient surgeries.

Personalized Care

We customize every aspect of your Corneal Transplantation process, from pre-surgical measurements to selecting the procedure that best suits your lifestyle and vision needs.

Comprehensive Post-Op Care

Our team will guide you through a smooth recovery process, ensuring that any post-surgery issues are promptly addressed as needed.

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