Corneal transplants

About the procedure

We offer corneal transplants at the Western Eye Hospital in London.

The cornea is the transparent, dome shaped surface of the eye and if it becomes damaged, it can affect your vision. In some cases, the best way to improve your sight and improve the appearance of your eye is to replace the damaged cornea through a surgical procedure known as a corneal transplant.

Who might need a corneal transplant?

You may need a corneal transplant if your cornea has become damaged to the point that your vision is significantly affected and can no longer be improved with glasses or contact lenses. A transplant may also be recommended if you are experiencing ongoing pain or discomfort that hasn’t improved with other treatments and is affecting your day‑to‑day life.

You may need a corneal transplant to treat:

• keratoconus – a condition when the cornea becomes thin and cone‑shaped
• corneal thinning, swelling, clouding or tearing that affects your vision
• corneal scarring caused by disease, infection or injury
• corneal ulcers (keratitis) that do not improve with other treatments
• Fuchs’ dystrophy – a genetic condition where fluid builds up in the cornea causing swelling and thickening
• endothelial decompensation – when the inner layer of the cornea stops working properly and the cornea becomes swollen and cloudy
• complications from previous eye surgery that have damaged the cornea

What to expect

Here are the steps you’ll go through when having a corneal transplant at the Western Eye Hospital:

Consultation: You will meet with one of our expert ophthalmologists, who will discuss your symptoms, carry out a detailed eye examination and explain the procedure. The consultant will also take measurements of your eye to help choose the right size of donor cornea.

Preparation: Your consultant will explain everything you need to do before your surgery. They will check all the medications and supplements you take and let you know if any should be stopped before your procedure. You may also be asked not to eat or drink for around 12 hours before surgery.

Procedure: A corneal transplant can be carried out under local anaesthetic, where you are awake, but your eye is completely numb, or under general anaesthetic, where you are asleep throughout the procedure. This will be determined by your consultant in discussion with you, depending on the type of procedure that is carried out.

During the operation, your surgeon will gently place a small device to keep your eye open and will carry out the type of transplant that best suits your condition. These include:

• endothelial keratoplasty – is used when the back layer of the cornea is damaged, such as in Fuchs’ dystrophy
• anterior lamellar keratoplasty – replaces the front or middle layers of the cornea, often used for keratoconus or scarring in the outer layers
• penetrating keratoplasty – replaces the entire cornea when all layers are affected

Typically, the operation takes less than two hours.

Aftercare: After your surgery, your eye will be protected with a patch. You will be given eye drops and medication to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.

You can usually resume most daily activities within two to three weeks of corneal transplant surgery.

Why choose us?

Our highly skilled eye specialists are committed to providing exceptional care for patients who need a corneal transplant. Using advanced diagnostic equipment and the latest treatment techniques, we offer a high‑quality service focused on achieving the best possible results for every patient.

Find out more about corneal transplants

If you are considering corneal transplants, our expert team can guide you through the process and make sure you feel confident about your decision.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation to find out more, please contact us:

Call: +44 (0) 20 3311 7700

Email: imperial.private.healthcare@nhs.net