When your cornea is damaged or diseased, clear vision can feel out of reach — but effective treatment is available. Corneal transplantation, or keratoplasty, replaces a damaged cornea with healthy donor tissue, restoring sight and improving quality of life. During the procedure, a circular incision is made in the cornea, a disc of tissue is removed, and healthy donor tissue is put in its place. Using local and/or general anesthesia, the entire procedure lasts between 30–90 minutes. It is a low-risk surgery with one of the highest success rates of any transplant procedure. Corneal transplantation is also an alternative to INTACS prescription inserts and rigid gas-permeable contact lenses for patients with keratoconus.
At Cornerstone Eye Associates, our board-certified ophthalmologists bring decades of combined experience in corneal surgery to patients throughout Rochester, Victor, and the surrounding communities. We stay at the forefront of corneal care — including advanced techniques like DSAEK — so you can trust that you’re receiving expert, evidence-based treatment tailored to your individual needs.
About DSAEK
DSAEK — short for Descemet-Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty — is the latest advancement in corneal transplantation. This innovative technique offers patients clear post-operative vision and a significantly shorter recovery time compared to traditional full-thickness transplants.
During the procedure, the surgeon marks the surface of the patient’s cornea with a trephine — an instrument used to cut circular sections of tissue. This mark determines the appropriate transplant size and outlines the area to be removed. The surgeon then scores and strips the damaged membrane from the eye. The donor cornea is carefully folded and placed on the eye, requiring only a single stitch to close the incision.
Once positioned, the donor cornea may unfold on its own or the surgeon may gently open it. A second stitch secures the wound and anchors the new cornea in place. The surgeon then injects a small air bubble beneath the cornea to ensure it is properly centered on the eye.
Patients spend approximately one hour in the recovery room before being examined at the slit lamp. The doctor carefully releases most of the air bubble, then prescribes antibiotic and steroid eye drops. A follow-up appointment is scheduled for the next day to monitor healing and ensure the best possible outcome.
Why Choose Cornerstone Eye Associates?
Choosing the right surgical team for your corneal transplant is one of the most important decisions you can make for your vision. At Cornerstone Eye Associates, we combine advanced surgical techniques with compassionate, personalized care — giving patients in Rochester, Victor, and throughout the region the best possible results. Our experienced ophthalmologists are dedicated to helping you see clearly and live fully.
If you or a loved one may benefit from a corneal transplant or DSAEK procedure, we’re here to help. Contact Cornerstone Eye Associates today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward restored vision. Call us at (585) 328-0153 — our team is ready to answer your questions and guide you forward.
