Office Hours: Mon. – Thurs. – 5am to 5pm | Fri. – 7am to 3pm | Sat. – Sun. – Closed

Call Us Today! 956-305-5795

Office Hours: Mon. – Thurs. – 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | Fri. – 7:00 am to 3:00 pm | Sat. – Sun. – Closed

Call Us Today! 956-305-5795

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LASIK Consultation
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Corneal Transplant

office hours

Monday To Thursday
8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Friday
7:00 am – 3:00 pm

Saturday To Sunday
Closed

Gelman Vision

Call Us Today! : 956-305-5795
Address : 5201 N G St, McAllen, TX, 78504

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Understanding the Cornea

Corneal Transplant

The cornea—the clear outer layer of your eye—is an important part of your vision. It allows the light to enter inside your eye, provides clear vision, and protects against infections.

In order to function, your cornea must be smooth and clear. However, if the cornea is swollen or damaged, you’ll experience some issues with your eyes and vision.

  • Blurry vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Eye redness
  • Stinging or burning sensation
  • Watery or teary eyes
  • Swollen eyelids

If your cornea is too damage to be healed or repaired, our vision specialists may recommend a corneal transplant. A corneal transplant uses a donor cornea from a person who chose to donate their corneas to those in need after their death. All donor corneas are carefully tested and regulated to ensure the safety and health of recipients.

Vision Problems That May Lead to Corneal Transplant

  • Cornea damage beyond healing or repair
  • Eye surgery where the cornea was damaged
  • Scarring on the cornea caused by eye injuries or infections
  • Fuchs’ dystrophy fluid build up
  • Keratoconus-related cornea damage
  • Glaucoma

Providing Two Types of Corneal Transplants

Partial-Thickness Corneal Transplant

If the damage on your cornea is on the innermost layer, you may only need a partial transplant. This surgery replaces the damaged cells with new ones and only requires a few stitches—if any—to aid the healing process.

This surgery has a much lower risk of your eye rejecting the transplant.

Full-Thickness Corneal Transplant

If all layers of your cornea are damaged, you’ll probably need a full transplant. Recovery is longer and regaining clear vision may take about a year.

While rejection risks are higher with this procedure, Dr. Gelman uses eye drops to help your body accept the new cornea.

Get compassionate vision care at Gelman Vision

Feel Better, See Better!

Taking Care of Your Eyes After a Corneal Transplant

  • Do NOT rub your eyes
  • Avoid strenuous exercise the first couple weeks after surgery
  • Avoid eye irritants—smoke, dust, pet dander
  • Wear sunglasses in bright lights or the sun
  • Do NOT go swimming
  • Don’t let water from the shower or bath get in your eye
  • Do NOT drive
  • Wait 2 weeks and up to 4 months before returning to work

For any questions on limitations and when you can resume your daily activities after your corneal transplant, please call our vision care team at Gelman Vision.

Find Help Healing Your Cornea
Is There a Waitlist for Corneal Transplant?

Currently, in the United States, there is no waitlist for a corneal transplant.

How Long Does it Take to Heal After a Corneal Transplant?

Healing can vary depending on the severity of the cornea damage and the type of corneal transplant. You will have blurry vision after surgery, and it can take 6 to 12 weeks to regain clear vision.

Is the Surgery Painful, and Will I Be Awake?

The surgery is performed with a local or general anesthetic to numb the pain. Depending on which anesthesia you and your eye surgeon choose, you may or may not be awake.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

A corneal transplant procedure takes about one hour.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

What Is the Success Rate of Corneal Transplant?