What to Expect When You Have a Corneal Transplant

Corneal transplantation is a surgical procedure used to help prevent or restore vision loss from damage to the cornea. The cornea is the clear, transparent front part of the eye that allows light to enter and focus. Your eye’s cornea must be clear, smooth, and healthy to produce sharp vision. If your cornea is scarred, swollen, or damaged then the light will not be focused properly, and you may experience blurry vision or glare.

What is Corneal Transplant Surgery?

If the damage in your cornea cannot be repaired or healed, your eye doctor may recommend a corneal transplant. This is when the diseased cornea is replaced with a clear, healthy cornea from a human donor. The donor’s corneal tissue will then be implanted into the patient’s eye, where it will function and grow normally.

Corneal Transplant Surgery Options:

Full thickness corneal transplant– called penetrating keratoplasty (PK), or full thickness corneal transplant. Your diseased or damaged cornea is removed. Then the clear donor cornea is sewn into place. The recovery process of PK is significantly longer than other types of corneal transplants. It may take up to one year for a patient to regain complete vision.
Partial thickness corneal transplant-called deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) or partial thickness corneal transplant. DALK is commonly used to treat keratoconus or bulging of the cornea. The diseased, infected, or scarred part of the cornea is removed and replaced with healthy corneal tissue from a donor. Healing time after DALK is a less invasive and shorter alternative to full corneal transplants. There’s also less of a risk of complications occurring as the new cornea won’t be rejected.
Endothelial keratoplasty (EK) is a cornea transplant technique that is the preferred way to restore vision when the inner cell layer of the cornea stops working properly from Fuchs’ dystrophy, bullous keratopathy, iridocorneal endothelial (ICE) syndrome, or other endothelial disorders. EK selectively replaces only the diseased layer of the cornea, leaving healthy areas intact. There are two types, including:
Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty
Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty

What to Expect Before & After Corneal Transplant Surgery

Once you and your ophthalmologist decide on the corneal transplant surgery, a date will be scheduled for the operation. However, this can change if there is not a suitable donor cornea available at the time of your date. A corneal transplant is done as an outpatient procedure. Your eye surgeon will use either local or general anesthesia, so you do not feel pain. He or she will then put a device on your eye to keep it open. Even though your eye is open, you will see very little or nothing at all because of the anesthesia. You will not be able to drive after the transplant surgery. You should make arrangements for someone to drive you home.

Your ophthalmologist will ask you to return the next day for an eye exam following corneal transplant surgery. For the first few days after surgery, expect your eye to be red, irritated, and sensitive to light. Typically, pain can be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers that your surgeon can recommend. Stitches may need to be removed depending on the type of stitches and surgical technique used. If stitches do need to be removed, they may not be removed for several months.

Your surgeon will recommend that you wear glasses or other protective eyewear for a period to help protect your eyes. Do not rub or press on your eyes while recovering as it can damage and interfere with healing.

If you think corneal transplant surgery may be right for you, contact our office or call 516-785-3900 (Wantagh office) or 516-541-4141 (Massapequa office) to schedule an appointment.

Sources: About Corneal Transplant, Bullous Keratopathy, Cornea Transplant

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Nutrition & Vision: Foods That Actually Help Eye Health

By Bob Berendsen • July 1, 2026

What you eat doesn’t just affect your energy or heart health. It also plays a major role in how well your eyes function over time. While periodic eye exams are important for protecting your vision, a healthy diet can support long-term eye health and may minimize the chances of certain vision problems as you age. At your eye care provider, we often remind patients that healthy vision starts from the inside out. How Nutrition Impacts Eye Health Your vision depends on a steady supply of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to stay healthy. Poor nutrition can contribute to issues such as dry eyes, night vision difficulties, and a higher risk of conditions such as cataracts or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). A balanced diet may help protect delicate eye tissues from oxidative stress- and inflammation-induced damage. Key nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, along with omega-3 fatty acids and zinc, all play important roles in preserving clear, comfortable vision. Best Foods for Healthy Vision Leafy Green Vegetables Spinach, kale, and collard greens are loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin—two powerful antioxidants that help filter harmful blue light and protect the retina. Benefits include: Reduced risk of macular degeneration Better protection against light damage Long-term retinal health support Carrots and Orange Vegetables Carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins contain high amounts of beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This nutrient is essential for good night vision and comprehensive eye function. They help support: Clear low-light vision Healthy corneas Reduced risk of dry eyes Fatty Fish Salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines are fantastic sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats support the oil layer of your tears and help prevent dry eye symptoms. They may help with: Eye moisture and comfort Reduced inflammation Retinal health support Citrus Fruits and Berries Oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, and blueberries have high counts of vitamin C and antioxidants. These nutrients shield the eyes from oxidative stress and may slow age-related damage. Benefits include: Stronger blood vessels in the eyes Lower risk of cataracts Overall antioxidant protection Nuts and Seeds Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds provide vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids that help protect eye cells from damage. They support: Long-term eye cell health Reduced inflammation Protection from age-related vision changes Foods That Promote Long-Term Vision Care No single food can guarantee perfect vision, but a consistent, well-rounded diet rich in eye-friendly nutrients can create a meaningful difference. Combining healthy eating with protective measures like UV-blocking sunglasses and regular eye exams provides the best defense for your vision. When Diet Isn’t Enough Even with a healthy diet, vision changes can still occur due to age, genetics, or underlying eye conditions. If you notice blurry vision, increased dryness, difficulty seeing at night, or changes in how you see colors and light, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Early detection is key in handling conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration before they significantly affect your vision. Supporting Your Vision From the Inside Out Nutrition is a powerful way to maintain healthy eyes, but it works best as part of a complete eye care routine. Eating a variety of colorful, nutrient-rich foods can help keep your eyes functioning at their best for years to come. If you’re concerned about your vision or want to learn more about preserving your eye health, plan a visit with your eye care provider today.