---
title: "Corneal transplant | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What corneal transplant surgery involves, the types of transplant, conditions it treats, recovery, and rejection risks. Clinically reviewed."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/treatments/corneal-transplant/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Treatment

# Corneal transplant

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

A corneal transplant replaces part or all of a cloudy or damaged cornea with clear donor tissue. It treats conditions such as keratoconus, Fuchs' dystrophy, and corneal scarring from ulcers or injury. Recovery takes months and you will need regular check-ups and eye drops to prevent rejection.

### On this page ⌄

1. What it is
2. What it treats
3. Types of transplant
4. Recovery and risks
5. Conditions this can help
6. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

The cornea is the clear window at the front of the eye. When it becomes scarred, swollen or distorted, vision blurs. A corneal transplant removes the affected tissue and replaces it with healthy donor cornea. Transplants can replace the full thickness or only the inner or outer layers, depending on the condition.

## What it treats

Corneal transplant is used when the cornea no longer focuses light clearly and other treatments are not enough.

- Keratoconus, when contact lenses no longer give acceptable vision
- Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy, when the inner corneal layer fails
- Corneal scarring from ulcers, infection or injury
- Some inherited corneal disorders and previous failed grafts

## Types of transplant

Full-thickness transplants replace all corneal layers. Partial transplants replace only the damaged layer, which can mean faster recovery. Your surgeon will recommend the type that best suits your cornea.

## Recovery and risks

Vision improves gradually over months as the eye heals. You will use anti-rejection drops, often for a year or longer. Rejection can occur even years later, so lifelong follow-up matters. Signs of rejection include redness, pain, blurred vision, or increased light sensitivity and need urgent review.

## Conditions this can help

## Frequently asked questions

### How long does it take to see clearly after a corneal transplant?

Vision improves gradually over several months. Full thickness grafts may take longer to settle than partial layer transplants. Glasses or contact lenses are often needed once healing is stable.

### What is corneal graft rejection?

Rejection is when the body's immune system attacks the donor cornea. It can cause redness, pain, blurred vision, or light sensitivity. It is treatable if caught early, so report any changes promptly.

### Is there a waiting list for donor corneas?

In many countries, donor tissue is organised through eye banks. Waiting times vary. Urgent cases such as severe infection may be prioritised.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [Moorfields Eye Hospital - Corneal transplantation: penetrating keratoplasty (PK) (PDF)](https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/mediaLocal/cvbl12vy/corneal-transplantation-pk.pdf)