Corneal Transplantation
Corneal Transplant Surgery: Help for Corneal Conditions
Corneal transplantation has evolved. Rather than replacing the entire cornea, Miss Menassa specializes in 'layered' surgery—replacing only the diseased tissue while preserving your healthy eye structure. This leads to faster recovery and lower rejection rates.
The Evolution of Corneal Transplantation
Corneal transplantation has evolved. Rather than replacing the entire cornea, Miss Menassa specializes in 'layered' surgery—replacing only the diseased tissue while preserving your healthy eye structure. This leads to faster recovery and lower rejection rates.
This tailored approach means selecting the right procedure for your specific condition: whether it's the innermost layer (DMEK), back layers (DSAEK), front layers (DALK), or full thickness (PK) when necessary.
The Procedures
Four approaches to corneal transplantation, each tailored to specific conditions
DMEK
Fastest recovery, lowest rejection riskDescemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty
The most advanced 'keyhole' transplant for Fuchs' Dystrophy. Replaces only a single, ultra-thin cell layer.
DSAEK
Highly predictable, ideal for complex anatomiesDescemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty
Replaces the back layer of the cornea. Highly predictable; ideal for complex eye anatomies.
DALK
Keeps patient's own inner 'pump' cellsDeep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty
Replaces the front and middle layers. Ideal for Keratoconus. Keeps the patient's own inner 'pump' cells.
PK
Full-thickness replacement for severe casesPenetrating Keratoplasty
The traditional full-thickness transplant for deep scarring or trauma.
Procedure Comparison
Compare the four corneal transplant procedures to understand which approach may be right for you
| Procedure | Layer Replaced | Recovery Speed | Primary Indication | Rejection Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
DMEK Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty | Endothelium & Descemet membrane (innermost layer) | Weeks to months | Fuchs' Dystrophy, Bullous Keratopathy | Lowest |
DSAEK Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty | Endothelium, Descemet membrane & thin stromal layer | 3-6 months | Complex anterior segment, failed grafts | Low |
DALK Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty | Anterior & middle stroma (front layers) | 3-6 months | Keratoconus, anterior corneal scarring | Very Low (no endothelium replaced) |
PK Penetrating Keratoplasty | Full thickness (all layers) | 12-18 months | Deep scarring, trauma, full-thickness disease | Higher (full-thickness) |
Miss Menassa will recommend the most appropriate technique for your specific situation after a comprehensive examination. She'll explain what to expect during recovery and answer any questions you have.
Trained at the Birthplace of Layered Keratoplasty
Ms. Menassa completed her corneal fellowship at the University Eye Hospital in Heidelberg, Germany—where DMEK and advanced lamellar techniques were pioneered and perfected. This world-renowned centre trains surgeons from across Europe in the most advanced corneal techniques.
This Heidelberg training, combined with her additional fellowship in Lucerne, Switzerland, means she brings international expertise in selective lamellar keratoplasty to patients in Liverpool and the North West.
The Menassa Expertise
Specialist in Selective Lamellar Keratoplasty
Miss Menassa specializes in 'tailored' or 'layered' corneal surgery, moving away from a 'one size fits all' approach. Her expertise in selective lamellar keratoplasty (DMEK, DSAEK, DALK) means she can replace only the diseased tissue while preserving your healthy eye structure. This approach typically leads to faster recovery and lower rejection rates compared to traditional full-thickness transplants.
As a consultant at St Paul's Eye Unit, she regularly performs these advanced procedures for the most complex cases referred from across the region. This high-volume experience translates to expertise and confidence for private patients.
Corneal Transplant Pricing
Pricing varies by procedure type. All prices include:
- All pre-operative consultations and assessments
- The surgical procedure at Spire Liverpool
- Donor corneal tissue
- All post-operative appointments for 12 months
- Surgeon's fee and anaesthetist's fee
Corneal Transplant FAQs
DMEK replaces only the innermost layer (endothelium), DSAEK replaces the back layers including some stroma, DALK replaces the front and middle layers while preserving your own endothelium, and PK replaces the entire cornea. Miss Menassa specializes in selective lamellar keratoplasty (DMEK, DSAEK, DALK) which preserves healthy tissue and leads to faster recovery with lower rejection rates.
Miss Menassa assesses your individual eye anatomy, the specific condition affecting your cornea, and your overall eye health. She specializes in 'layered' or 'tailored' surgery—selecting the procedure that replaces only the diseased tissue while preserving your healthy eye structure. This personalized approach ensures the best outcome for your specific situation.
Selective lamellar keratoplasty means replacing only the specific layer(s) of the cornea that are diseased, rather than the entire cornea. This 'layered' approach preserves healthy tissue, leading to faster recovery, better vision outcomes, and lower rejection rates compared to traditional full-thickness transplants.
Recovery varies by procedure. DMEK offers the fastest recovery (weeks to months), DSAEK and DALK typically take 3-6 months, while PK (full-thickness) takes 12-18 months. Miss Menassa's layered approach generally provides faster visual recovery than traditional full-thickness transplants.
Yes. All corneal transplants require ongoing steroid eye drops to prevent rejection, typically once daily long-term. DALK has the lowest rejection risk since it preserves your own endothelium, while DMEK and DSAEK also have lower rejection rates than full-thickness PK.
Yes. Many patients with corneal conditions also have cataracts. The 'triple procedure' combines corneal transplant, cataract removal, and lens implant in a single operation, reducing overall recovery time. Miss Menassa's dual expertise in cornea and cataract surgery makes her ideally placed to perform these combined procedures.
Success rates vary by procedure. DMEK has approximately 95-98% primary success rate with excellent long-term graft survival. DSAEK and DALK also have excellent outcomes. Miss Menassa's Heidelberg fellowship training and high-volume experience at St Paul's Eye Unit contribute to these excellent results.
Book a Consultation with Miss Menassa
If you've been diagnosed with a corneal condition or are experiencing vision problems, book a consultation to discuss whether corneal transplant surgery may be right for you. Miss Menassa will assess your individual situation, explain your options, and recommend the most appropriate approach.