Corneal Transplant: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Corneal Transplant?
A corneal transplant is done by an ophthalmologist, an eye doctor and eye surgeon, often one who specializes in the cornea. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a corneal transplant?
The cornea is the clear front layer of the eye. A corneal transplant is surgery to replace the cornea with tissue from a donor. It is one of the most common transplants done.
Doctors can do a full thickness transplant, called penetrating keratoplasty. If only part of the cornea is damaged, they can do a partial thickness transplant, called lamellar keratoplasty.
Symptoms
A transplant is used when the cornea is badly damaged. People who may need one have:
- Vision problems caused by thinning of the cornea, most often due to keratoconus.
- Scarring of the cornea from severe infections or injuries.
- Vision loss caused by cloudiness of the cornea, most often due to Fuchs dystrophy.
Causes and who gets it
A transplant may be considered when less invasive treatments are not an option. The new tissue comes from a donor who has recently died. A local eye bank processes and tests the donated cornea to make sure it is safe.
How doctors diagnose it
Talk with your doctor about the risks and whether this treatment is right for you.
Before surgery, tell your surgeon about any medical conditions and allergies.
Treatment
You may get general anesthesia, which puts you to sleep, or you may be awake. If you are awake, you get numbing medicine in the eye and medicine to help you relax.
The surgeon removes the damaged part of the cornea and replaces it with healthy donor tissue. In penetrating keratoplasty, the donated tissue is sewn into the opening of the cornea. In lamellar keratoplasty, only the inner or outer layers are replaced.
It is an outpatient surgery, so you can go home the same day. You will need someone to drive you home. You need a follow-up visit the day after surgery.
Your surgeon will prescribe eye drops to help your eye heal and prevent infection and rejection. Do not rub or press on your eye. Depending on the type of transplant, full recovery can take up to a year.
Ask your surgeon which daily medicines to take on the morning of your surgery. Follow your surgeon's or doctor's instructions about eating and drinking before surgery.
Like any surgery, a corneal transplant has risks. The body may reject the new tissue. This happens in about 1 out of 3 patients in the first 5 years. Other risks include bleeding, cataracts, eye infection, glaucoma, and loss of vision.
When to see a doctor
Rejection of the new cornea can cause eye pain, sensitivity to light, red eyes, and cloudy or hazy vision. If you have these symptoms after a transplant, tell your eye doctor right away.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can help you get an eye specialist referral and review your other health conditions and medicines before surgery. After surgery, they can help you keep up with follow-up care.
Common questions
Will I be awake during a corneal transplant?
You may be awake or asleep. You may get general anesthesia, or you may be awake with numbing medicine.
Can I go home the same day?
Yes. A corneal transplant is an outpatient surgery.
Can the body reject a corneal transplant?
Yes. The body may reject the transplanted tissue, which happens in about 1 out of 3 patients in the first 5 years. Rejection can sometimes be controlled with steroid eye drops.
How long does recovery take?
Depending on the type of transplant, it can take up to a year to fully recover.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
