Corneal Transplant Surgery (Keratoplasty)

Partial and Full Corneal Transplants, Artificial Cornea Implants

Corneal transplant surgery -- also called keratoplasty -- preserves or restores vision impaired by advanced corneal disease or when the cornea has been damaged by scarring, trauma, or infection. Duke corneal surgeons have extensive experience and perform hundreds of corneal transplants each year using the latest advances. Our goal is to recover or preserve your vision and help you return to your daily activities as soon as possible.

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When Is Corneal Transplant Surgery Necessary?

You may be a candidate for corneal transplantation if you have been diagnosed with keratoconus, which causes your cornea to become thin and cone-shaped, or when an inherited corneal dystrophy, such as Fuchs’ dystrophy, results in vision-impairing corneal swelling and clouding. You may also be a candidate for corneal transplantation if your cornea has been damaged by infection, scarring, or trauma.

The procedure is typically recommended when less-invasive corneal disease treatments such as special glasses or contact lenses and medications to reduce swelling cannot halt the progression of your corneal disease.

There are several types of corneal transplant procedures to remove damaged, unhealthy cornea tissue. After a comprehensive evaluation that includes sophisticated imaging of your cornea, we can recommend the most effective procedure for your condition.

Our Locations

Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.

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Surgical Techniques

Partial-Thickness Corneal Transplant (DSEK, DMEK, DALK)

These procedures are alternatives to full-thickness corneal transplants. In these surgeries, the surgeon replaces only certain layers of your cornea with donor tissue. The type of procedure you receive depends on which parts of your cornea are diseased. Procedures include Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK), Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK).

Full-Thickness Corneal Transplant

A full thickness corneal transplant -- also called penetrating keratoplasty (PK) -- removes all layers of the diseased cornea and replaces them with clear, healthy cornea tissue from a donor. You should see some improvement after one to two weeks, but it may take up to one year for your vision to reach its maximum potential.

Artificial Cornea Placement

This procedure restores vision by removing the severely damaged or diseased cornea and replacing it with an acrylic, artificial cornea and donor corneal tissue that is sutured in place. This is typically only recommended when natural transplants have failed.

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919-681-3937

Tests for Corneal Disorders

Your corneal surgeon will conduct a thorough examination of your eye and its structures using a variety of imaging devices to help diagnose any corneal disorders or diseases.

Corneal Topography and Tomography

A computer-guided device creates a 3D image map of your cornea to measure corneal power, curvature, and thickness.

Corneal Pachymetry

Ultrasound waves measure the thickness of your cornea.

Optical Coherence Tomography

OCT is a non-contact imaging test that uses light waves to take high-resolution, cross-sectional pictures of your cornea. These images can be used to examine changes to the normal layered anatomy of the cornea.

Slit Lamp Exam

This exam gives your doctor a magnified, 3D view of the structures at the front of your eye.

Keratometry

By measuring the curvature of your cornea’s front surface, your doctor can assess astigmatism.

In-Vivo Confocal Microscopy

Your doctor examines the cellular structure of your cornea. This exams allows them to see normal and abnormal cells in the various corneal layers (epithelium, Bowman’s layer, stroma, Descemet’s membrane, and endothelium) as well as infectious cells such as fungi and amoeba.

Best Eye Hospital in North Carolina

Where you receive your care matters. Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why our ophthalmology program is ranked seventh in the nation and is the highest-ranked program in North Carolina, according to U.S. News & World Report for 2025–2026.

Choosing a Corneal Transplant Surgeon

Advanced Training in Corneal Disease Management
Our corneal surgeons are ophthalmologists who have undergone advanced training in the medical and surgical management of corneal disease.

Latest Corneal Transplant Techniques
We use the latest techniques to remove only the diseased portion of the cornea, rather than all the layers of the cornea, when appropriate. These new corneal transplant procedures retain the structural integrity of your eye, minimize your risk of rejection, quicken your recovery, and improve your vision.

Advanced Intraoperative Imaging
We have access to advanced, high-resolution imaging, which can be used during procedures to more precisely perform and monitor corneal transplant surgery.

Artificial Cornea Implants
We are one of the few eye centers in the region with the surgical skill and expertise to treat advanced corneal disease with artificial cornea implants (keratoprosthesis). This may be an option if you have not had success with standard corneal transplants.

Innovative Assessment Using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Our researchers are studying new ways to use OCT, a noninvasive imaging technology that allows us to look closely at the cornea and assess the severity of your corneal disease. This helps us make the best treatment recommendations for your condition.

Patient Support Services
We offer patient support services, including educational materials and programs, a low vision rehabilitation program, and a dedicated social worker to help you and your loved ones manage your condition and maximize your quality of life.

This page was medically reviewed on 12/11/2023 by

Melissa B. Daluvoy, MD | Corneal Specialist