Preparing for Your Corneal Transplant: What Every Patient Should Know

If your doctor has recommended a corneal transplant, you might feel hopeful, nervous, or even a bit confused. Fortunately, you’re not alone. With the right preparation, you can face your procedure with confidence.

Whether you have keratoconus, corneal scarring, or Fuchs’ dystrophy, this guide will show you exactly what to expect—from pre-op planning through surgery day and beyond.

What Is a Corneal Transplant?

A corneal transplant, also called keratoplasty, replaces damaged or diseased corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue. The cornea forms the clear front layer of your eye and focuses incoming light. You might experience blurry, distorted, or painful vision when it becomes misshapen or scarred. Fortunately, a transplant can restore clarity, relieve discomfort, and dramatically improve your quality of life.

Pre-Op Checklist: How to Prepare for Surgery

Thorough preparation reduces anxiety and boosts surgical success. Here’s what you’ll need to do before your procedure:

1. Medical Evaluations and Testing

First, your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive eye exam and imaging tests to measure your cornea’s shape and thickness. Next, you may complete routine bloodwork or general health screenings. Moreover, be sure to provide a full list of medications and disclose any chronic conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension.

2. Medication Adjustments

Often, your surgeon will ask you to pause blood thinners or immune-modulating medications. In addition, you might start an antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drop regimen in the days leading up to surgery. Always follow your surgeon’s specific instructions.

3. Transportation and Recovery Planning

Preparing for your corneal transplant also involves securing transportation to and from the surgery center. Because you cannot drive home, arrange for a friend or family member to accompany you. Furthermore, most patients should plan on taking a few days to a week off work to rest and recover fully.

What to Expect on Surgery Day

On the day of your transplant, you’ll arrive at the outpatient center and receive local anesthesia plus mild sedation. Although you’ll remain awake, you won’t feel pain. Then, your surgeon will use microsurgical tools to remove the affected corneal tissue and replace it with donor tissue from an accredited eye bank. Depending on your condition, you may undergo:

• Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK): full-thickness transplant

• Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) or DMEK: partial-thickness transplant for endothelial disease

• Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK): partial-thickness transplant for keratoconus

Your surgeon will choose the best technique based on the location and extent of your corneal damage.

Recovery and Post-Operative Care

Healing after a corneal transplant can span weeks to months, with full visual recovery sometimes taking up to a year. However, most patients notice clearer vision and increased comfort within a few weeks.

1. Eye Drops and Medications

You’ll use prescribed antibiotic and steroid drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Be diligent—apply each drop exactly as directed.

2. Activity Restrictions

Avoid rubbing your eyes, bending over, and lifting heavy objects. Additionally, wear an eye shield while sleeping for several weeks. Finally, refrain from strenuous exercise for at least a month.

3. Warning Signs to Watch For

If you experience any of the following, contact your surgeon immediately:

• • Severe eye redness or pain

  • Light sensitivity

  • Sudden vision changes

  • Discharge or swelling
    These symptoms can indicate graft rejection or infection and require prompt treatment.

4. Follow-Up Appointments

Your surgeon will schedule regular visits to monitor healing and ensure the transplant succeeds. These check-ups often continue for several months.

Moving Forward with Confidence

A corneal transplant can transform your vision and life. By carefully preparing for your corneal transplant, understanding what to expect, and keeping up with follow-up care, you’ll set yourself up for the best possible outcome.

Contact Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center to schedule an exam with our experienced corneal specialists. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.