Corneal Transplant Specialist

What's a partial layer corneal transplant?

During a corneal transplant, a donor cornea is used to replace your damaged one. If Dr. Feiz is performing a partial layer corneal transplant, it just means that he's replacing the damaged layers of your cornea. The layers of the cornea that are still working as they should are left in place, and your eye is allowed to start the healing process.

Dr. Feiz will evaluate the condition of your cornea to determine whether a full-thickness or partial-thickness transplant is needed. He'll look at several factors including what caused the damage and then make an informed decision that will restore your eyesight and improve the overall health of your eye.

When is a full-thickness corneal transplant used?

Unlike a partial-thickness corneal transplant where only a portion of the cornea is replaced, a full-thickness transplant involves removing the entire cornea and replacing it with a donor. Dr. Feiz usually considers this option when the whole surface of the eye has been damaged, and your vision has been dramatically affected.

He typically considers full-thickness transplants when a partial replacement won't fully restore your vision. Dr. Feiz will evaluate the condition of your existing cornea and the overall health of your eye to determine what type of transplant will best suit your needs and restore your vision.

What does DSAEK stand for?

DSAEK stands for Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty. It's a partial-thickness corneal transplant procedure that replaces a portion of the corneal surface. This type of corneal transplant also involves transplanting a donor stroma which helps to protect the cornea from further damage and reduces the risk of failure.

This type of corneal transplant helps to reduce the risk of damage to the donor cornea during the surgical procedure. It allows Dr. Feiz to replace only what's damaged and dramatically improves the chances of the procedure being a complete success.