Corneal transplant surgery, or keratoplasty, involves the removal of part of the cornea so that it can be replaced with a new section taken from a donor. There are a number of cornea replacement surgeries which can be performed, one being a full thickness corneal transplant and the other, a lamellar corneal transplant. During a full thickness corneal transplant (penetrating keratoplasty), the ophthalmologist will transfer all layers of the cornea from a donor to restore your sight.
During a lamellar corneal transplant (endothelial keratoplasty) on the other hand, only selected layers are transplanted. If only specific layers of your cornea are damaged, a lamellar corneal transplant may be recommended as it is less invasive, and the recovery time is generally much faster than that of a full thickness corneal transplant. Dr Enslin Uys will refer you to one of his colleagues that perform this surgery on a regular basis. Common reasons for corneal transplant surgery are keratoconus, corneal scarring and endothelial dystrophy.
Keep in mind that you will not be able to drive after corneal transplant surgery and will thus need to make arrangements for someone to drive you home after your surgery. As you recover from surgery, you will need to use prescribed eye drops, wear protective eyewear such as sunglasses and be wary not to rub your eye or eyes. Pain medication may be taken as necessary. Depending on the type of corneal transplant you have and how you heal, it may take up to a year to fully recover from this surgery.
Corneal Transplant Surgery FAQ
- When will I see clearly after a corneal transplant?
Visual recovery typically takes between a few weeks and one year, depending on the
type of transplant performed. Partial-thickness transplants (DMEK or DSAEK) often
see improvement within weeks, while full-thickness transplants (PKP) can take 12
months to fully stabilise. Dr. Enslin Uys will monitor your progress at his
Pietermaritzburg rooms to ensure your vision is healing on schedule. - Will I still need glasses or contact lenses after a corneal transplant?
Yes, most patients still require glasses or rigid contact lenses to achieve their best
possible vision after surgery. While the transplant restores the clarity of the
“window,” corrective lenses are often needed to fine-tune focus and address
astigmatism. - Will I be awake during the corneal transplant procedure?
Patients can choose between “twilight” sedation (being awake but deeply relaxed) or
general anaesthesia. Dr. Enslin Uys will recommend the safest and most
comfortable option based on your medical history and the specific type of corneal
surgery required - What are the warning signs of corneal transplant rejection?
The primary warning signs of rejection are known by the acronym “RSVP”: Redness,
Sensitivity to light, Vision loss, and Pain. If you experience any of these symptoms in
Pietermaritzburg, you must contact Dr. Enslin Uys immediately, as early intervention
can often reverse the rejection process and save the graft - What are the long-term risks of a corneal transplant?
The most common long-term risks include graft rejection, secondary glaucoma
cataracts, or localized infection. Because these risks can persist years after surgery, lifelong follow-up care is essential. Regular check-ups in Pietermaritzburg ensure
these complications are caught and treated early. - When can I drive or return to work after surgery?
Most patients return to work within 1 to 2 weeks, but driving is only permitted once
your vision meets legal South African requirements. Your ability to drive depends on
the visual acuity of your other eye and the stability of the new graft. Dr. Uys will
provide a specific timeline during your post-operative visits - How long is the waitlist for corneal tissue in South Africa?
Wait times for corneal tissue in South Africa vary, but modern eye banks hav
significantly improved availability. While some cases may require a short wait for
imported or local donor tissue, many surgeries can be scheduled with minimal delay.
Our rooms in Pietermaritzburg coordinate directly with eye banks to secure high-
quality tissue for our patients. - Is the whole eye transplanted during this surgery?
No, only the cornea—the clear, thin front “window” of the eye—is replaced during
transplant. The rest of the eye remains intact. This is a common myth in South
Africa, and it is important for patients to know that the procedure is limited to the
surface of the eye - Is corneal transplant surgery covered by medical aid in South Africa?
Yes, corneal transplant surgery is generally a Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB) in
South Africa when clinically motivated. Most medical aids cover the surgery, hospital
stays, and donor tissue. Dr. Enslin Uys’s rooms in Pietermaritzburg can assist you
with the clinical motivation and pre-authorisation for your specific plan - Can keratoconus be treated with a corneal transplant?
Yes, a corneal transplant is recommended for advanced keratoconus that no longer
responds to lenses or cross-linking. Dr. Enslin Uys performs partial-thickness
transplants (DALK) in Pietermaritzburg. This modern technique preserves your inner
corneal layers, which significantly reduces the risk of rejection and improves long-
term outcomes