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Restore Clarity & Strength to Your Vision with a Corneal Transplant in Bellevue

If corneal scarring, keratoconus, or disease has left your vision severely impaired, a corneal transplant in Bellevue or Seattle may be the only solution to restore clarity. Whether you need a full-thickness corneal transplant (PKP) or a partial-thickness transplant (DMEK or DSEK or DALK), our expert team at Bellevue Precision Vision customizes the procedure to match your eye health and vision goals. With decades of experience in complex corneal surgery, we help patients achieve lasting improvements in vision and quality of life.

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What Is Corneal Transplantation?

Corneal transplantation in Bellevue , the greater Seattle and Puget Sound area is a surgical procedure that replaces damaged or diseased corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue to restore vision and improve eye health. Depending on the severity of the condition, the transplant may be:

  • Full-thickness (Penetrating Keratoplasty, PKP): Replaces the entire corneal tissue for severe corneal disease or damage.
  • Partial-thickness (DMEK or DSEK): Preserves more of the patient’s natural cornea by replacing only the damaged inner layers, leading to a faster recovery and lower rejection rates.

Corneal transplants are used to treat keratoconus, corneal scarring, and advanced corneal disease, helping patients regain clear, functional vision.

The Benefits of Corneal Transplantation

  • Restored Vision for Severe Corneal Disease: Corneal transplants in Bellevue and Seattle help patients with corneal scarring, keratoconus, or advanced damage regain sight.
  • Custom-Tailored Approach: The procedure is designed to match each patient’s needs, with options for full-thickness (PKP) or partial-thickness (DMEK/DSEK or DALK) transplants.
  • Improved Corneal Health & Function: Replacing diseased corneal tissue enhances eye health, comfort, and long-term vision stability.
  • Long-Lasting Results: Corneal transplantation offers a permanent solution for vision loss caused by corneal disease.
  • Effective for Patients Who Have Run Out of Other Options: When glasses, contacts, or other treatments are no longer effective, corneal transplantation in Seattle and Bellevue provides a new path to clear vision.
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Is Corneal Transplantation Right for Me?

If you suffer from severe corneal disease, scarring, or keratoconus, a corneal transplant in Seattle or Bellevue may be the only solution to restore your vision. Whether you need a full-thickness transplant (PKP) or a partial-thickness procedure (DMEK or DSEK or DALK), we tailor the approach to your unique eye health and vision goals.

You may be a good candidate for a corneal transplant if you:

  • Have keratoconus, corneal scarring, or an injury that distorts vision.
  • Experience vision loss that cannot be corrected with glasses or contacts.
  • Have failed other corneal treatments and need a long-term solution.
  • Are in good overall health with no active eye infections or severe glaucoma.

If you’re facing severe vision loss from corneal disease, a consultation will help determine whether a full-thickness or partial-thickness corneal transplant is the best path forward.

What to Expect The Corneal Transplantation Process

Pre-Surgical Consultation & Testing

  • We conduct a comprehensive corneal exam to determine whether you need a full-thickness or partial-thickness corneal transplant.

Before Surgery

  • Avoid wearing contact lenses if instructed.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home post-surgery.
  • Follow all pre-op medication instructions provided.

The Corneal Transplant Procedure (60-90 minutes per eye)

  • Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable throughout the procedure.
  • Full-thickness (PKP) or partial-thickness (DMEK/DSEK) grafts are placed.
  • The graft is secured with ultra-fine sutures or an air bubble.

Recovery After Surgery

  • Expect some light sensitivity, irritation, or mild discomfort in the first few days.
  • Sutures may remain in place for 4-6 weeks following DSEK/DMEK and up to one year in full-thickness transplants.

Follow-Up & Vision Improvement

  • Vision gradually sharpens over several weeks to months.
  • Regular check-ups ensure the transplant is healing properly.
  • In Full thickness PKP and DALK transplants, suture removal will begin in the office at 3-4 months, and will continue until all sutures have been removed at 12-18 months following surgery. Suture removal is painless, and takes only a few minutes. 
  • Drops are needed for preventing rejection and need to be used as instructed for months or years following surgery.

"One of the best corneal surgeons in the country."

Dr. Rostov is one of the best corneal surgeons in the country and is exceptionally knowledgeable about optical health issues. Dr. Rostov performed two procedures on my eyes, and both were completed correctly and without complications. I have found...

Brian C.

I have had extreme myopia (almost pathological) and astigmatism in both eyes my entire life. Gas-permeable hard contact lenses were the only thing that corrected my vision perfectly, but as I reached middle age, it became increasingly painful to w...

Yvette Y.

I had surgery on both of my eyes, performed by Dr. Rostov. I am so thankful to Dr. Rostov for her kindness, talent, skills, and professionalism. She is top notch to say bluntly. And believe me, I could go on and on about how happy I am with my vis...

Marc M.

Dr. Rostov took time to explain the SMILE procedure in detail and made sure to make me comfortable throughout. She and her team worked so seamlessly and efficiently that I felt like I was in the hands of experts the whole time. Dr. Rostov is highl...

A.W.

Dr. Rostov took time to explain the SMILE procedure in detail and made sure to me comfortable throughout. She and her team worked so seamlessly and efficiently that I felt like I was in hands of experts the whole time. Dr. Rostov is highly talente...

A. W.

Excellent vision recovery after a lifetime of one eye wildly off from the other with astigmatism and farsightedness. add in cataracts, happily by the time i went in for possible lasik surgery a new type of lens to correct multifocal vision plus as...

Anonymous

Dr. Audrey is a world-renowned surgeon, known for her skills and compassion. The Hawaiian Eye Foundation is inspired by her humanitarian efforts and is pleased to work with her to give the gift of sight around the world!

Anonymous

Amazingly knowledgeable as much as caring. Always with a big smile and willing to explain the procedures and alternatives. I had a cornea transplanted by her in 2011 and everything went perfect. I have referred a friend with my same problem and he...

Zelma

Always friendly and answered all questions. Recommended to sister and she had a good experience

Anonymous
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After Your Corneal Transplantation Recovery & Results

The recovery for a full-thickness corneal transplant (PKP) is longer than partial-thickness options like DMEK or DSEK. However, for patients with severe corneal disease, this procedure provides life-changing vision restoration.

Healing Timeline & Recovery Expectations

  • First Few Weeks: Vision will be blurry initially but steadily improves.
  • First 3-6 Months: The cornea adapts to the transplant, and vision correction stabilizes.
  • Up to 1 Year: Full healing takes several months to a year, depending on individual recovery.

Tips to Support Healing

  • Use prescribed eye drops consistently.
  • Avoid strenuous activity, rubbing the eye, or excessive screen time in the first 4 weeks.
  • Follow up as directed for suture removal (if applicable) and transplant monitoring.
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Why Choose Bellevue Precision Vision?

Corneal transplantation in Bellevue and Seattle requires precision, expertise, and personalized care—all of which you’ll find at Bellevue Precision Vision. Dr. Audrey Talley Rostov, MD, is a renowned corneal transplant specialist with a track record of transforming lives through advanced vision restoration surgery. With access to the latest transplant techniques and donor corneal tissue advancements, our team is committed to helping you achieve the best possible visual outcome. Schedule a consultation today to discuss the best transplant approach for your vision needs.

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FAQ Corneal Transplantation

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What conditions require a corneal transplant?

Corneal transplants are recommended for severe corneal scarring, keratoconus, corneal swelling, and irreversible corneal damage that cannot be corrected with glasses or contacts.

What’s the difference between full-thickness and partial-thickness corneal transplants?

Full-thickness transplants (PKP) replace the entire cornea and are used for severe damage.

DALK is a partial thickness cornea transplant similar to PKP but leaing a layer of undamaged tissue if possible

Partial-thickness transplants (DMEK or DSEK) replace only the damaged layers, leading to faster recovery and lower rejection rates.

How long does recovery take after a corneal transplant?

Recovery varies. DMEK/DSEK takes several weeks to months. Full-thickness (PKP) and DALK healing takes up to a year.

What are the risks of a corneal transplant?

While complications are rare, risks include graft rejection, infection, bleeding, loss of vision and needing another operation. Regular follow-ups help ensure the best results. Rejection episodes can happen, but if recognized early, can be completely reversed with full recovery of vision. The warning signs of rejection are:

  • Redness
  • Sensitivity to Light
  • Vision Change
  • Pain

If you have any of these RSVP signs of rejection, early treatment can reverse rejection and restore vision.

Will my vision be perfect after a corneal transplant?

While corneal transplants improve vision, patients will still need glasses or contact lenses for fine-tuned clarity.

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