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New Braunfels eye care

Corneal transplant surgery in New Braunfels, TX

A corneal transplant replaces damaged corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue to restore clear vision.

CORNEACORNEALENSOPTIC NERVEMACULAVITREOUS / RETINA
Where it happens in the eye

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 New Braunfels

Patients come to our New Braunfels office at 457 Landa St, Suite F for corneal transplant care from Gruene, Canyon Lake, Garden Ridge, Bulverde, Spring Branch, Schertz and across New Braunfels. Dr. Kavanagh has cared for New Braunfels patients since 2001: 25 years of excellent eye care. New Braunfels patients have surgery a short drive away, at GRMC Outpatient in Seguin or at one of three San Antonio surgery centers.

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

DMEK / DSAEKReplaces only the thin inner layer. Used for Fuchs' dystrophy and corneal swelling, with faster recovery.
DALKReplaces the front layers and keeps your own inner layer, often used for keratoconus and scars.
Penetrating keratoplasty (PK)Full-thickness transplant for damage through all layers.
AftercareSteroid drops protect the graft. Regular visits watch for rejection.

Dr. Kavanagh and our team see patients for corneal transplant at our New Braunfels 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.

Normal vision Simulation: A hazy, swollen cornea 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.

Questions about corneal transplant? We're here in New Braunfels.

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