Treatment
Corneal Transplant Surgery
Advanced corneal transplant surgery including DMEK, DSEK, FLEK, PTK and Keranatural for conditions such as keratoconus, Fuchs' dystrophy and corneal scarring.
Overview
Understanding the Procedure
Corneal transplant surgery replaces damaged or diseased corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue or, in some cases, uses laser or specialised techniques to reshape and strengthen the existing cornea. Miss Tina Khanam performs a full range of modern corneal transplant techniques.
DMEK (Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty) replaces only the innermost layer of the cornea — the endothelium. It offers the fastest visual recovery and lowest rejection risk of all corneal transplant techniques, and is the treatment of choice for Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy and bullous keratopathy.
DSEK (Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty) is a partial-thickness transplant that replaces the endothelial layer along with a thin layer of stroma. It is a robust technique suitable for more complex cases where DMEK may not be possible.
FLEK (Femtosecond Laser-Enabled Keratoplasty) uses femtosecond laser precision to create custom-shaped grafts for full-thickness or partial-thickness corneal transplants, improving wound healing and visual outcomes.
PTK (Phototherapeutic Keratectomy) uses the excimer laser to remove superficial corneal opacities, scars, and irregularities. Unlike refractive laser surgery, PTK is a therapeutic treatment aimed at improving corneal clarity and comfort.
Keranatural is an advanced keratoconus treatment that uses a precisely shaped donor corneal graft to reinforce and reshape the thinning cornea, potentially avoiding the need for a full-thickness transplant.
Benefits
What This Means for You
- Restores corneal clarity and improves vision
- Modern techniques (DMEK) offer faster recovery than traditional transplants
- Lower rejection rates with partial-thickness techniques
- Tailored approach — least invasive technique for each case
- Performed by a fellowship-trained corneal specialist
Our Approach
Consultant-Led Care
As a fellowship-trained corneal surgeon, Miss Khanam selects the most appropriate technique for each patient's specific condition, corneal anatomy, and visual goals. She performs the full spectrum of corneal transplant procedures and will recommend the least invasive approach that achieves the best outcome.
All corneal transplant tissue is sourced from NHS Blood and Transplant eye banks, meeting the highest safety and quality standards.
Suitability
Is This Right for You?
- Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy (DMEK/DSEK)
- Bullous keratopathy (DMEK/DSEK)
- Advanced keratoconus not manageable with cross-linking (FLEK/Keranatural)
- Corneal scarring or opacities (PTK/FLEK)
- Failed previous corneal grafts requiring re-grafting
- Corneal dystrophies causing visual impairment
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Modern partial-thickness transplants (DMEK, DSEK) typically last 15-20+ years. Full-thickness transplants may need replacement after 10-20 years depending on the underlying condition.
DMEK offers the fastest recovery — many patients see significant improvement within 2-4 weeks. DSEK and FLEK may take 3-6 months for full visual recovery. PTK recovery is typically 1-2 weeks.
Yes, but modern techniques have significantly reduced this risk. DMEK has a rejection rate of approximately 1-5%. Anti-rejection eye drops are used for 12+ months after surgery.
Most patients require some form of optical correction after transplant surgery. The type and degree depends on the procedure performed and the individual healing response.
Quick Facts
Duration
45-90 minutes per eye depending on technique
Anaesthesia
Local anaesthetic (injection or drops) — general anaesthesia available
Recovery
DMEK: 2-4 weeks; DSEK/FLEK: 3-6 months
Pain Level
Mild discomfort
Guide Price
surgeon's fee per eye (additional fees apply)
A detailed quote will be provided following your consultation.
View All FeesReady to Learn More?
Take our quick suitability quiz or book a consultation to discuss your options with your consultant.
Related
Understanding Your Condition
Learn more about the conditions this treatment addresses. Knowledge is the first step toward confident decision-making.
Take the Next Step
Book a consultation to discuss Corneal Transplant Surgery with your consultant. Transparent advice, no pressure, and a personalised plan for your vision.