Corneal Transplant Surgery
If you need a corneal transplant, choose the latest techniques and superior care of New Zealand’s No.1 eye surgery clinic
In a corneal transplant operation, the surgeon will replace all or part of your damaged cornea (the clear front surface of your eye) with healthy donor corneal tissue. A corneal transplant (also called cornea grafting or keratoplasty) is usually done to help restore your vision, but can be done for comfort or appearance too.
Severe keratoconus is one possible reason for corneal transplant surgery, but the procedure is also used to treat corneal scarring as a result of injury, swelling or infection of the cornea.
While it is an extremely technical and skilled operation, corneal transplants at Eye Institute are carried out by highly experienced surgeons, using the latest and safest technology and techniques.
In particular, our surgeons are skilled in lamellar keratoplasty, and were instrumental in bringing this specialised cornea grafting technique to New Zealand. This highly advanced form of corneal transplant, which may be suitable for some patients, involves grafting thin layers of the cornea, which results in more rapid healing.
What’s involved in a corneal transplant operation?
Corneal transplant surgery is generally very safe and effective, and the procedure has been performed and perfected by our surgeons over many years. The operation is usually done under general anaesthetic, so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort. You’ll also be able to go home soon after surgery, without the need to stay overnight in hospital.
Cornea grafting procedure: 
- Before your surgery, it’s important not to eat or drink for at least 6 hours. You’ll usually be given a general anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep throughout the procedure, although in some cases a local anaesthetic and sedative may be used instead.
- In most cases, your surgeon will use a highly specialised instrument called a ‘trephine’ to precisely remove your cornea. In some operations, only the front or back part of the cornea will need to be replaced.
- The donor cornea is removed in the same way to create a piece of the same size, and is carefully sutured in place with extremely fine stitches.
- After the operation, an eye pad and protective shield will be placed over your eye, and you’ll be able to go home as soon as your anaesthetic has worn off. You should ask someone to stay with you overnight, and you’ll need to come back for a check up the following day.
Full recovery from cornea grafting can take some time. It usually takes 12 to 18 months to achieve your best possible vision, and you’ll need regular check-ups during that time. But if you suffer from severe keratoconus or another corneal condition that affects your sight, cornea grafting is generally a very worthwhile and effective operation.
Alternatives to cornea grafting for keratoconus
Before considering a corneal transplant for keratoconus, your surgeon may recommend another treatment instead. New treatments for keratoconus such as corneal collagen cross-linking and corneal implants are highly effective, and involve less risk. You can discuss all of your treatment options for keratoconus when you make an appointment with one of our eye specialists.
Make an appointment today
For more information or to discuss corneal transplant surgery, make an appointment with one of our eye specialists. Simply fill out an enquiry form or call 0800 39 35 27.
You may be entitled to free corneal transplant surgery
- No need for prior approval
- No money up front for surgery
- Southern Cross pays us directly
top
