San Antonio eye care
Corneal transplant surgery in San Antonio, TX
A corneal transplant replaces damaged corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue to restore clear vision.
What is corneal transplant?
The cornea is the clear front window of the eye. When it becomes scarred, swollen or misshapen, light scatters and vision turns hazy. A corneal transplant (keratoplasty) replaces the damaged layers with donor tissue from an eye bank.
Modern transplants often replace only the damaged layer, which means faster healing and a lower rejection risk than older full-thickness surgery.
After a transplant, call right away for Redness, Sensitivity to light, Vision loss or Pain (RSVP). These can be signs of graft rejection, which is often reversible if treated early.
Corneal transplant care in San Antonio
Patients come to our San Antonio – Medical Center office at 10935 Wurzbach Rd, Suite 202 for corneal transplant care from Stone Oak, Alamo Heights, Shavano Park, Leon Valley, Helotes, Universal City and across San Antonio. With three San Antonio offices (Medical Center, North Central and South), there is usually one close to home or work. Dr. Kavanagh operates at three San Antonio surgery centers, plus GRMC Outpatient in Seguin.
Symptoms
- Hazy or cloudy vision, sometimes worse in the morning
- Glare and halos around lights
- Distorted vision that glasses can't fix
- Pain or light sensitivity with some conditions
Common reasons for a transplant
- Fuchs' corneal dystrophy
- Keratoconus
- Scars from infection or injury
- Corneal swelling after earlier eye surgery
How we evaluate it
We examine the cornea under the slit lamp, measure its thickness, map its shape and count the endothelial cells that keep it clear. This shows which layer is damaged and which type of transplant fits.
Treatment options
Dr. Kavanagh and our team see patients for corneal transplant at our San Antonio office and across South Texas. Every plan is tailored to your eyes after an exam.
For educational purposes. This page explains common conditions and treatments to help you prepare for your visit. Your exam determines the right plan for your eyes.
NormalA hazy, swollen cornea
How it can look
Corneal transplant, seen through the patient's eyes
Drag the slider to compare normal vision with a simulation of a hazy, swollen cornea. Everyone's experience is different, and early stages may cause no visible change at all.
Questions
Common questions
How long is recovery?
Partial-thickness transplants often give useful vision within weeks to a few months. Full-thickness transplants can take a year or more to fully settle.
Where does donor tissue come from?
From eye banks, which screen and test donated corneas carefully.
Related conditions
