The Procedures:

Corneal Transplantation (Penetrating Keratoplasty)

Once the decision is made to undergo corneal transplant surgery, a suitable donor cornea will be obtained from the Alabama Eye Bank.  Each potential donor is carefully screened, both for diseases that could be transmitted and for clarity.  The surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes approximately one hour.  Patients are heavily sedated and kept comfortable.  A trephine (circular) blade is used to remove the central portion of the diseased cornea.  A similar portion of tissue is cut from the donor cornea and is sutured in place.  A patch is placed over the eye.

Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK), Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) and Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK)

We offer the newer, more site-specific types of corneal transplantation that, instead of replacing the entire cornea, we replace only the abnormal layer.  As you might imagine. these procedures are more successful in restoring vision and are easier to recover from. The most common type is DSAEK or DMEK where the back layer of the cornea (Descemet's/Endothelial complex) is replaced.  This innovative technology has helped thousands of patients suffering from Fuch's Corneal Dystrophy lead normal lives again.  DALK is an innovative procedure to treat Keratoconus or scarring in the front portion of the cornea. 

We offer other treatments for Keratoconus including INTACS and Cross-linking.

If you have questions or would like to meet with our doctors, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule a consultation by calling 888-841-EYES.