
Cornea Transplant
The cornea, the clear outermost layer of the eye, is your window to the world. But if it's damaged, it can turn opaque and cloud your view.
Cornea Associates of Texas can improve vision with a cornea transplant tailored to your unique needs.
Our practices in Dallas, Plano, and Fort Worth, TX, use the latest techniques for faster recovery and fewer complications.
Cornea Associates of Texas Dallas, Plano, and Fort Worth, TX
The surgeons at Cornea Associates of Texas are recognized by their peers as authorities on refractive errors and corneal problems. If corneal damage is impairing your vision, contact one of our offices. We are conveniently located throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
What Is a Cornea Transplant?
A Closer Look at Cornea Transplants

Do I Need Surgery?
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The cornea is the clear layer at the front of the eye. Injuries or diseases such as corneal dystrophy or keratoconus can leave the cornea scarred or opaque and distort your view of the world. If the cornea cannot be healed or repaired and your eyesight cannot be corrected using eyeglasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery, Cornea Associates of Texas can perform a cornea transplant.
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What Can Surgery Achieve?
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Our highly qualified surgeons use the latest proven corneal transplant techniques. These advanced measures allow us to tailor surgery to patients' needs and promote a faster recovery and better outcomes.
Corneal transplant surgery can:
• Restore functional vision
• Reduce pain
• Improve the appearance of a damaged cornea

A Surgical Overview
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During corneal transplant surgery, which is also called keratoplasty, a circular piece of the damaged corneal tissue is removed. It is replaced with a “button” of clear healthy cornea donated from an eye bank, which follows federal regulations to ensure only healthy tissue is used.
Expertise, Technology, and a Personal Touch Our Cornerstones of Care
Our surgeons perform about 900 transplant procedures each year in a highly selective process. Before recommending this procedure, we carefully evaluate each patient individually during an initial consultation to determine their needs and the most suitable treatment.
But there's more than technology and expertise when it comes to vision care at Cornea Associates of Texas. We know how precious vision is to each and every person who comes through our doors. To earn their trust, we offer extensive pre- and post-operative counseling so patients understand what to expect at every stage of treatment.
Your Comfort Comes First
Your concerns about vision surgery and your comfort are priorities at Cornea Associates of Texas. We have exemplary safety protocols and our advanced techniques and technology put patients in safe hands.
During transplants, our surgeons use an anesthetic blocking technique that eliminates all sensation and movement from the eye.
The patient is asleep briefly while the anesthetic is administered, then awakens, and surgery is performed with the eye completely numb. The patient is also given IV medication specifically to help them relax and to minimize any anxiety they feel, all while being closely monitored by an anesthetist.
"I Couldn't Be Happier" Hear from a Cornea Transplant Patient
Dr Zaffos and all of his assistants (ie the techs) are wonderful. I've had both cataract removal and a cornea transplant. I couldn't be happier. This office and Dr Zaffos are so informative and I feel so relaxed around everyone. I would recommend Dr Zaffos and his staff to everyone. Love this place
View More Google ReviewsThe office is beautiful and I didn’t have to wait long. All the staff is attentive and caring. I am incredibly impressed with Dr. Zaffros! He is the fifth doctor I’ve seen regarding my eye problem and the first to be able to provide a diagnosis and treatment. Such a relief! This place is top notch.
View More Google ReviewsTypes of Corneal Transplants

The surgeons at Cornea Associates of Texas are specifically trained to perform corneal transplant surgery. In addition to being board-certified, they have also received advanced cornea fellowship training. They are experts in both traditional and advanced transplant techniques.
Penetrating Keratoplasty
Penetrating keratoplasty (PK) is the traditional cornea transplant method in which the full thickness of the cornea is transplanted. The procedure has been performed since the 1940s.
PK requires a longer healing period and, though tissue rejection is low for cornea transplants, it is higher using this method when compared to newer transplant techniques.
Endothelial Keratoplasty
Endothelial keratoplasty (EK), is a newer transplant method that Cornea Associates of Texas has been successfully using for the past decade. In this procedure, only select layers of the cornea are transplanted, a technique that dramatically reduces the healing time from a year or longer to just a few months.
Our surgeons perform several types of EK transplants, which allows us to match techniques to patient needs. These advanced techniques include DSEK/DSAEK and DMEK/DMAEK.