Corneal Transplant Surgery at Washington Eye Institute
Washington Eye Institute provides specialized surgical management for advanced corneal disease and progressive keratoconus. Our board certified surgeon replaces damaged tissue with healthy donor cornea to restore visual clarity. With over 85,000 successful procedures performed annually in the U.S., a transplant is a proven solution for patients seeking to recover meaningful vision.
20M+
Americans with Visual Impairment
NIH All of Us Database Study, 2025
Restore Clear Vision with Personalized Transplant Care from a Board Certified Cornea Specialist
Restore Clear Vision with a Board Certified Specialist
Could You Benefit From a Corneal Transplant?
If you are living with corneal scarring, swelling, or thinning and your vision is not improving with glasses or contact lenses, our cornea team can evaluate whether a transplant may help restore clearer sight.
Schedule a ConsultationCorneal Transplant Specialists
Understanding Corneal Transplant Surgery
A corneal transplant replaces damaged or diseased corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue to restore clarity and improve vision. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of your eye, and when it becomes clouded, scarred, or swollen due to disease or injury, light can no longer pass through properly. If you are living with declining vision from a corneal condition, transplant surgery may offer a path toward meaningful visual recovery. According to the Eye Bank Association of America, more than 85,000 corneal transplants are performed in the United States each year, making it one of the most common and successful tissue transplant procedures (Eye Bank Association of America).
Cornea-Focused Care
Our specialists focus exclusively on corneal conditions, providing targeted expertise for every transplant patient.
Advanced Surgical Techniques
We offer the latest transplant methods including DSAEK, DMEK, and DALK for faster recovery and better outcomes.
Corneal Surgery Specialist
Dr. Mekhail specializes in advanced corneal transplant techniques, including endothelial keratoplasty and full-thickness grafting procedures. His dedication to minimally invasive approaches helps patients achieve faster visual recovery with fewer complications.
Cornea Fellowship
Advanced training in corneal transplant surgery and anterior segment procedures
Patient-Centered Approach
Personalized treatment plans designed around each patient's corneal condition and goals
Proven Outcomes
High graft success rates with comprehensive post-operative monitoring and care
Decade of Dedication
10+ years specializing in corneal transplant surgery and complex corneal cases
Fellowship-Trained Corneal Transplant Specialist
Why Choose Us for Corneal Transplant
Our corneal specialists combine advanced surgical techniques with compassionate, personalized care for every transplant patient.
Thorough Corneal Evaluation
Every transplant candidate receives a comprehensive examination including corneal mapping, endothelial cell analysis, and advanced imaging to determine the best surgical approach.
Minimally Invasive Techniques
We specialize in partial-thickness transplant procedures like DSAEK and DMEK that replace only the damaged corneal layers, allowing for faster healing and better visual results.
Dedicated Post-Operative Care
Our team provides thorough follow-up care after your transplant, carefully monitoring graft health and adjusting treatment to support long-term success.
Are You a Candidate for Corneal Transplant?
A corneal transplant may be recommended when other treatments have not been able to restore clear vision. Conditions such as Fuchs dystrophy, corneal scarring, keratoconus, and corneal swelling are among the most common reasons patients are referred for transplant evaluation.
Our corneal specialists will perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether you are a good candidate and which transplant technique will provide the best outcome for your specific condition.
If your corneal condition is affecting your daily life and other treatments have not helped, a transplant consultation is the next step toward clearer vision.
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Advanced Transplant Treatments
We offer the full range of modern corneal transplant procedures, selecting the best technique for each patient's specific condition.
DSAEK Partial Thickness Transplant
Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) is a partial-thickness corneal transplant that replaces only the damaged inner layer of the cornea. This technique is commonly used for patients with Fuchs dystrophy and other endothelial disorders that cause corneal swelling and cloudy vision.
Because DSAEK preserves the majority of your natural cornea, it offers a more stable structural result and faster visual recovery compared to full-thickness transplant. Many patients experience meaningful vision improvement within the first few months after surgery, but some may require longer for vision to stabilize based on individual healing and other eye conditions.
How Corneal Transplant Works
Evaluation & Imaging
Your cornea is thoroughly assessed with specular microscopy, pachymetry, and OCT imaging to plan the procedure.
Protective Shielding
Local anesthesia is administered to ensure complete comfort throughout the transplant procedure.
Tissue Placement
The damaged corneal tissue is removed and replaced with healthy donor tissue, carefully secured in position.
Recovery and Follow-Up
Post-operative visits monitor graft healing, and medicated eye drops help prevent rejection and support recovery.
DMEK Endothelial Transplant
DMEK (Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty) replaces only the thin endothelial cell layer of the cornea using donor tissue. This advanced technique is associated with very rapid visual recovery and a low rejection rate compared with many other corneal transplant methods.
Full Thickness Penetrating Keratoplasty
PKP replaces all layers of the cornea with donor tissue and is used when damage extends through the entire cornea. This procedure treats advanced scarring, severe keratoconus, and extensive corneal injury.
Corneal Transplant Warning Signs
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may benefit from a corneal transplant evaluation with our specialists.
Advanced Transplant Technology
We use the latest diagnostic and surgical technology to evaluate corneal health and plan every transplant with precision.
Specular Microscopy
Analyzes the health and density of corneal endothelial cells before and after transplant
Anterior Segment OCT
Provides high-resolution cross-sectional images of the cornea to guide surgical planning
Corneal Pachymetry
Measures corneal thickness to assess swelling and monitor graft health over time
Endothelial Cell Counting
Tracks the number and viability of endothelial cells to evaluate long-term graft function
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does corneal transplant surgery take?
Many corneal transplant procedures take around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the technique used and the specifics of the case. Endothelial transplants such as DSAEK and DMEK are typically completed in under an hour in straightforward cases, while full-thickness PKP may take longer, particularly in complex eyes.
Is corneal transplant surgery painful?
The procedure itself is performed under local or regional anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during surgery. Some patients experience mild discomfort, light sensitivity, or a foreign body sensation in the days following surgery. These symptoms typically improve within the first week as healing begins, and prescribed eye drops help manage any inflammation.
How long does it take to see clearly after a corneal transplant?
Visual recovery varies significantly depending on the type of transplant. DMEK patients may notice meaningful improvement within a few weeks, while DSAEK recovery often takes several weeks to a few months, with individual healing times varying. Full-thickness PKP may require many months to over a year for vision to stabilize, and final glasses or contact lens prescriptions are typically not determined until the graft has healed and the corneal shape is stable.
What are the signs of corneal graft rejection?
The warning signs of graft rejection include increasing redness in the eye, worsening sensitivity to light, decreasing vision, and new or increasing discomfort. These symptoms can appear weeks, months, or even years after transplant surgery. If you notice any of these changes, contact our office at 301.800.7490 as soon as possible so we can evaluate your graft and begin treatment if needed.
Can a corneal transplant be repeated if the graft fails?
Yes, a corneal transplant can be repeated if the original graft becomes cloudy or fails over time. Repeat transplants are performed when needed, though each subsequent procedure generally carries a higher risk of rejection and other complications than an initial graft. Dr. Mekhail will discuss the timing and approach for a repeat procedure based on the specific reason for graft failure and the health of your remaining corneal tissue.
Will I still need glasses or contact lenses after a corneal transplant?
Many patients will need some form of vision correction after corneal transplant surgery. The transplanted tissue may heal with a different curvature than your original cornea, which can cause astigmatism or changes in your prescription. Glasses are often sufficient, but some patients benefit from scleral contact lenses or other specialty lenses to achieve their best corrected vision after a full-thickness transplant.
Schedule Your Corneal Transplant Consultation Today
Our corneal specialists are ready to evaluate your condition and discuss the best transplant options for restoring your vision.