Delaware Eye Surgeons

Advance technology for cataracts,multi-focal lenses and iTrace

call-today-button-headCALL TODAY!
(302) 993-1300

  • Home
  • Doctors & Staff
    • Staff
    • About Dr. Smith
      • Curriculum Vitae
      • Dr. Smith’s Awards
      • Dr. Smith’s Articles
    • About Dr. Larned
    • About Dr. Thomas
    • About Dr. Simmerman
    • About Dr. Williams
    • About Dr. Menear
    • Why Choose Us
  • Exams
    • Contact Lenses
    • Comprehensive Eye Exams
    • iTrace
    • Optical Boutique
  • Eye Diseases
    • Cataract Surgery
      • Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery
    • Premium IOLs
      • LAL Lens
    • Glaucoma
    • Cornea
  • PRK, LASEK and Epi-LASIK
  • Dry Eye
    • Optima IPL
    • Dry Eye Products
    • Omega3 Fish Oils
  • Patient
    • Patient Portal
    • Patient Forms
    • Financing and Payment Options
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us

Corneal Transplant Surgery

Corneal Transplant Surgery in Wilmington – Delaware Eye Surgeons

Corneal transplant surgery (keratoplasty) is performed to replace the patient’s cornea with a healthy cornea from a donor, which is obtained from an eye bank.

When performed under the care of skilled Delaware Eye Surgeons, a corneal transplant can restore vision and reduce discomfort associated with corneal diseases and conditions, thereby improving patients’ quality of life.

Standard Corneal Transplant Surgery

A standard, or full-thickness, transplant involves the surgical removal of the central corneal tissue, which is then replaced with healthy donor tissue and secured in place with sutures. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia.

Recovery time following standard corneal transplant surgery may last up to 12 months, during which time our Wilmington cornea transplant patients are provided with medicated eye drops and antibiotics and must wear an eye shield to prevent injury to the newly placed cornea. Frequent eye exams are essential to the success of the procedure.

Although full-thickness corneal transplantation is a relatively safe procedure, it is associated with rare but serious complications, including rejection of the donor cornea, in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the donor tissue.

DSEK Corneal Transplant Surgery

Whenever possible, Dr. Smith prefers to perform the advanced DSEK corneal transplant surgery. Unlike full-thickness corneal transplant surgery, the DSEK procedure involves the surgical replacement of only the damaged inner layers of the cornea. In this technique, the back layer of the cornea is removed and replaced with a thin piece of donor tissue through a small incision in the eye. The donor tissue is secured in place with an air bubble that is injected into the eye to push and hold the new tissue in place. The incision is closed with one small suture.

Compared to standard corneal transplant surgery, the less-invasive DSEK procedure has several advantages, including:

  • A smoother corneal surface
  • Stronger corneal integrity
  • Fewer sutures
  • Faster recovery (several weeks versus several months)
  • Reduced chance of donor tissue (graft) rejection
  • Decreased risk of suture complications and wound infections
  • Quicker vision improvement

Full recovery following DSEK is usually achieved within a few weeks.

Corneal Transplant Surgery Candidacy

A thorough eye exam is necessary to determine each patient’s candidacy for corneal transplant surgery. In general, the patient’s candidacy greatly depends on his/her medical history and any additional eye diseases and conditions. Unrelated eye problems such as inflammation or infection may interfere with the success of the corneal transplant.

DSEK corneal transplant surgery is only suitable for patients whose corneal problems involve the inner most layer of the cornea (endothelium).

Please contact our practice at (302) 993-1300 to schedule your corneal transplant surgery consultation or use our online appointment request form.

Delaware Eye Surgeons Patient Portal
Request an eye exam at Delaware Eye Surgeons
With one of our Highly Qualified Doctors:

  • Dr. Smith
  • Dr. Larned
  • Dr. Thomas
  • Dr. Simmerman
  • Dr. Williams
  • Dr. Menear

BUY ZOCULAR

About Dr. Smith

Dr. Smith's Awards Dr. Smith's Curriculum Dr. Smith's Publications

logo-carecredit

Delaware Eye Surgeons

Primary Office Location:
2710 Centerville Rd. #102
Wilmington, DE 19808
Phone: (302) 993-1300
Fax: (302) 993-1400

 
 


 
 

Dr. Larned's Office Location:
2300 Pennsylvania Ave. Suite 3A
Wilmington, DE 19806
Phone: (302) 655-7600
Fax: (302) 655-4900
Request an eye exam at Delaware Eye Surgeons
Privacy | Cookie

Visit us on Youtube:

  • YouTube
  • Home
  • Doctors & Staff
  • Exams
  • Eye Diseases
  • PRK, LASEK and Epi-LASIK
  • Dry Eye
  • Patient
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Us

© 2025 · Advertising Is Simple of Delaware