Improving vision after corneal transplantation

Corneal transplantation is typically considered a last-resort option when all other treatments have failed. The procedure involves replacing part of the patient’s cornea with donor tissue, which carries a lifelong risk of rejection.

Fortunately, thanks to modern immunosuppressive therapies and medications, this risk can be greatly reduced. While the main goal of the transplant is to restore vision, many patients still experience blurred or distorted sight afterward, often due to irregular curvature of the cornea or residual astigmatism. In many cases, specially designed contact lenses are needed to achieve functional vision. However, not all patients can tolerate these lenses over the long term. In the past, if glasses were ineffective and contact lenses couldn’t be worn, a second transplant was sometimes considered, an invasive procedure with the same long-term risks as the first.

Today, there’s a less invasive alternative: excimer laser treatment. This advanced technique helps smooth and regularize the corneal surface and offers several important benefits:

Improved vision with glasses
Reduced corneal irregularities, making it easier to wear conventional contact lenses
Preservation of the original graft, avoiding the need for repeat transplantation

Important to Know

Laser eye surgery is commonly used to correct standard vision problems like nearsightedness, following a precise, standardized plan. But when performed after a corneal transplant, it becomes a much more complex and customized procedure. The goal is not to eliminate glasses but to improve the shape and regularity of the cornea, helping patients achieve sharper, more stable vision.

Each case is unique. This form of laser surgery is more reconstructive than corrective and depends heavily on the surgeon’s expertise. Glasses will still be needed afterward, but vision can be significantly improved. ELZA is one of the few centers in Europe with extensive experience in this type of treatment, and we have successfully treated over 100 eyes using this approach.

A Personalized Approach at ELZA

At ELZA, we combine advanced diagnostics with personalized treatments to help patients improve their vision after corneal transplantation. Our goal isn’t just a clear graft—we aim for the best possible visual function and quality.

Case Example: Treated at ELZA

A 34-year-old woman came to us with a clear corneal graft but extreme irregular astigmatism of more than 11 diopters. She had only 10% vision with glasses and could not tolerate contact lenses.

To improve her vision, we performed laser surgery in two sessions, spaced six months apart. This staged approach dramatically reduced the astigmatism and smoothed the corneal surface. As a result, she achieved 100% daytime vision with glasses.

What We Offer at ELZA

Our team at ELZA has deep experience managing complex visual issues following corneal transplantation. We use cutting-edge diagnostic tools to analyze the cornea in detail and develop personalized treatment plans for each patient. Our focus is not just on improving visual acuity but on enhancing overall visual quality, helping patients see more clearly, comfortably, and consistently