Cornea Transplant
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye through which light enters. When the cornea becomes diseased, scarred, or damaged, vision becomes severely impaired and quality of life deteriorates dramatically. Lions Medical Complex in Gulberg, Lahore is one of the leading centres for corneal transplant surgery (keratoplasty) in Pakistan, offering advanced surgical techniques, a dedicated corneal team, and a commitment to restoring sight to those who need it most.
What Is a Cornea Transplant?
A cornea transplant, medically known as keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy corneal tissue donated by a deceased human donor. The procedure allows light to once again pass clearly through the eye and focus properly on the retina, restoring or significantly improving vision.
Lions Medical Complex actively supports and participates in corneal donation programmes in Pakistan. If you or your family wish to pledge eye donation, our team can guide you through the process.
Conditions Requiring Cornea Transplant
A cornea transplant may be recommended for the following conditions:
• Keratoconus: Progressive thinning and irregular bulging of the cornea, causing distorted vision. One of the most common reasons for corneal transplant in Pakistan.
• Corneal Scarring: From previous infections (bacterial, viral, fungal), injuries, or chemical burns.
• Bullous Keratopathy (Fuchs’ Dystrophy): Corneal swelling and clouding due to endothelial cell failure, sometimes following cataract surgery.
• Corneal Ulcers: Deep infections that leave permanent opaque scars affecting vision.
• Failed Previous Corneal Graft: Re-transplantation when a prior corneal graft fails.
• Corneal Degeneration: Various hereditary or acquired conditions causing corneal opacity.
Types of Cornea Transplant Surgery
Modern corneal surgery is highly specialised. Lions Medical Complex surgeons are trained in multiple techniques, allowing us to choose the most appropriate procedure for each patient:
1. Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK) – Full Thickness Transplant
The entire thickness of the diseased cornea is removed and replaced with a full-thickness donor cornea. This is the traditional and most widely used technique.
2. Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK)
Only the outer and middle layers of the cornea are replaced, preserving the patient’s own healthy inner endothelial layer. Lower rejection risk. Ideal for keratoconus and anterior corneal scarring.
3. Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) / DSAEK
Only the innermost layer (endothelium) of the cornea is replaced. Used for Fuchs’ Dystrophy and bullous keratopathy. Faster recovery and lower rejection rate than full-thickness transplant.
4. Superficial Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (SALK)
Replaces only the most superficial (outer) layer of the cornea. Used for surface scarring that does not extend deep into the stroma.
The Cornea Transplant Procedure – What to Expect
• Pre-operative Assessment: Detailed corneal mapping, thickness measurement (pachymetry), and slit-lamp examination.
• Donor Tissue: All donor corneas used at Lions Medical Complex are sourced from certified, medically evaluated donors and screened for infections.
• Surgery: Performed under local or general anaesthesia. The damaged cornea is precisely excised and replaced with donor tissue. Sutures secure the graft.
• Duration: 1–2 hours per eye.
• Hospital Stay: Usually a day procedure or one overnight.
• Recovery: Vision improves gradually over weeks to months. Sutures may be in place for 12–18 months for full-thickness grafts.
Corneal Donation – Give the Gift of Sight
Lions Medical Complex proudly promotes eye and corneal donation in Pakistan. One donor can restore sight to two recipients. The corneas are harvested within hours of death and do not require blood type matching. Donation is a selfless act that gives the gift of sight to someone in need.
If you wish to register as a corneal donor or would like more information about the process, please contact our team directly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Cornea Transplant in Lahore
A: A successful corneal graft can last a lifetime in many patients. Graft survival rates are very high, particularly with modern lamellar techniques like DALK and DMEK which have lower rejection rates than traditional full-thickness grafts.
A: Rejection occurs when the patient’s immune system attacks the donor corneal tissue. Early signs include sudden redness, pain, photosensitivity, or deteriorating vision. Immediate medical attention is required. Most rejection episodes can be successfully treated if caught early.
A: The surgery is performed under anaesthesia and is not painful. Post-operative discomfort, watering, and light sensitivity are normal during healing.
A: Yes. Eye donation in Pakistan is permitted and is a noble act. Please contact Lions Medical Complex for guidance on the donation registration process.
Book Your Corneal Consultation at Lions Medical Complex, Lahore
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with keratoconus, corneal scarring, or any other corneal condition, our specialist surgeons are here to help. Contact us today.
📞 Call us: 0333 3320256 | 📍 Gulberg, Lahore | 🕐 Mon–Sat: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
