Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK) is a surgical procedure in which all five layers of a damaged or cloudy cornea are removed and replaced with a donor full-thickness corneal graft. When conditions affect the entire corneal structure, such as trauma, deep scarring or failed previous transplants, PK becomes the most appropriate and comprehensive solution.
At Centre for Sight, you will be cared for by corneal specialists using advanced surgical environments and long-term monitoring to maximise graft clarity, comfort and survival.
Please note that your consultant will recommend the most suitable treatment option tailored to your specific case.
| Procedure | How it works | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DALK (Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty) | The damaged front layers of the cornea are removed and replaced with donor tissue, while the patient’s endothelium (inner layer) is preserved. | Keratoconus, corneal thinning, or anterior scarring with a healthy endothelium. | Lower rejection risk, preserves natural tissue | Not suitable for full-thickness damage |
| DSAEK / DMEK (Endothelial Transplant) | Only the innermost endothelial layer is replaced through a small incision, leaving the majority of the cornea untouched. | Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy, endothelial failure after surgery, or swelling from endothelial dysfunction. | Small incision and faster recovery with minimal change to corneal shape | Only suitable if the rest of the cornea is healthy |
| PK (Penetrating Keratoplasty / Full-Thickness Transplant) | All layers of the cornea are removed and replaced with a full-thickness donor graft. | Full-thickness disease, deep scarring, trauma, advanced keratoconus, or failed previous grafts. | Addresses complex and advanced corneal conditions | Long-term follow-up and suture management required |
You may be suitable for PK if:
Your consultant will provide a personalised risk-and-benefit discussion based on your eye’s specific needs.
| Benefits (vary by procedure): | Risks/side effects (not exhaustive): |
|---|---|
| Can restore vision when all corneal layers are damaged | Longer recovery — months for vision to stabilise |
| Suitable for advanced or complex conditions | Higher risk of graft rejection compared with partial grafts |
| Offers improved clarity when other grafts aren’t suitable | Lifelong monitoring recommended to maintain graft health |
| Can provide long-term, stable results when healing is successful | May require glasses or contact lenses afterwards |
| Performed by corneal specialists using high-grade donor tissue | Suture management is required and can influence vision clarity |
Fill out our online form or call our team. Our enquiry staff will guide you through your first steps towards clearer vision.
We perform detailed corneal imaging (topography, pachymetry, endothelial cell count), evaluate scarring, lens health and ocular surface to ensure suitability.
Meet your corneal specialist who will review your test results, explain graft options (including Penetrating Keratoplasty), and answer all your questions.
Surgery scheduled at our dedicated eye-care hospital; graft type selected for your specific condition and surgical plan tailored to you.
Structured follow-up and monitoring extend beyond months; graft health, vision clarity and eye-pressure are tracked, and you’ll have access to our 24-hour helpline.
Please contact us to obtain your personalised quote. Graft technique, donor tissue type and complexity influence cost.
Initial improvement may be noticed within weeks, but full visual clarity and suture removal can take 12–18 months, depending on healing.
Many people benefit from additional glasses or custom contact lenses to fine-tune vision after the graft stabilises.
Rejection symptoms include redness, light sensitivity and vision changes. Early treatment is often highly effective, which is why follow-up is important.
With appropriate care, grafts can remain clear for many years. Ongoing monitoring is recommended.
Centre for Sight is recognised internationally for its expertise in corneal transplantation and complex corneal disease. Our surgeons have extensive specialist experience in PK, DALK, DSAEK/DMEK and laser-assisted techniques, allowing them to select the most appropriate approach for each patient rather than a one-size-fits-all procedure. We use high-quality donor tissue, advanced imaging and precise suture management to support long-term graft clarity and stability. Alongside this, our structured follow-up care and 24-hour support ensure you are monitored and supported throughout your recovery.
