The cornea is the clear transparent window that covers the front of the eye. The cornea can become scarred after an infection or with various other diseases or injuries. Once the cornea is scarred in critical regions, vision can be devastated. When this occurs, it may be necessary to complete a cornea transplant to restore vision.

Corneal transplantation, also called a penetrating keratoplasty, is the most commonly performed and most successful transplant procedure. Compared to many eye surgeries, vision recovery from corneal transplantation is lengthy often requiring many visits. Your vision will not improve immediately after surgery. In fact, your vision may be worse after surgery than it was before surgery. After several months, your surgeon may start to remove your sutures. Your vision will fluctuate during this time. Most patients get their best vision about one year after the transplant.

After a corneal transplantation, your eye may start to reject the donor cornea. If you notice severe redness, vision loss, pain, or sensitivity to light, you need to contact your surgeon immediately. You will have to use medication drops for several months after your surgery. In some cases, you might have to use eye drops indefinitely.