Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh. Written to established clinical-education standards (AAO/Mayo/NHS/NEI) and adapted for this hospital. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Penetrating keratoplasty (PK), often called a full-thickness corneal transplant, replaces a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy donor corneal tissue. It is used when the cornea has become too scarred, thinned, swollen, or irregularly shaped for other treatments to restore useful vision. The surgeon removes a circular disc from the center of the patient's cloudy or damaged cornea and replaces it with a matching disc of clear donor tissue, secured with fine sutures.
Who typically needs this
- People with corneal scarring, from infection, injury, or previous surgery, that affects all layers of the cornea.
- Advanced keratoconus where the cornea has become too thin or scarred for cross-linking or a partial-thickness transplant.
- Corneal swelling or failure from endothelial disease that has affected the whole cornea.
- Congenital corneal clouding or severe corneal ulcers that have not responded to other treatment.
What to expect
- The patient is evaluated for overall eye health, and donor tissue is matched and screened for safety beforehand.
- Under anesthesia, the surgeon removes a circular section of the diseased central cornea.
- A similarly sized disc of healthy donor corneal tissue is stitched into place with fine sutures.
- The eye is protected with a shield after surgery, and healing is monitored closely at follow-up visits.
Recovery
- Vision recovery is gradual and can take many months to a year or more, since sutures remain in place for an extended period to allow stable healing.
- Regular follow-up visits check graft clarity, adjust sutures, and watch for signs of rejection.
- Eye drops, including steroids, are used for a prolonged period to reduce inflammation and lower rejection risk.
- Activity restrictions, such as avoiding eye rubbing, contact sports, and swimming, apply during healing.
Risks to know about
- Graft rejection, where the immune system reacts against the donor tissue, is a recognized risk and needs prompt treatment if it occurs.
- Infection, raised eye pressure, and astigmatism from the healing wound can all affect the final vision.
- Vision recovery is slower than with partial-thickness transplant techniques such as DALK or DSEK/DMEK.
- Long-term monitoring is needed, since rejection risk continues for years after surgery.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the donor cornea last?
Many corneal transplants remain clear for decades, though some eventually need repeat surgery, particularly in higher-risk conditions.
What are the warning signs of rejection?
Redness, pain, light sensitivity, and reduced vision are warning signs that need urgent evaluation by an ophthalmologist.
Will I need glasses after the transplant?
Most patients need glasses or contact lenses afterward, particularly to correct astigmatism created by the surgery.
How long do the stitches stay in?
Sutures are often left in place for many months to over a year and are removed gradually as the eye heals.
Ready to see us?
Call the appointment desk, or book online — we will confirm your time by phone.
Sources consulted: AAO — About Corneal Transplantation, AAO — Corneal Transplant Surgery Options, Mayo Clinic — Cornea transplant . General medical information — not a substitute for professional diagnosis. Medically reviewed by Dr. Niranjana Bejan Singh.
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