Full-Depth Trephination
Delivering an incredibly clean, circular vertical cut through all layers of the eye wall.
Corneal Transplant
Cornea Services
Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK)
Full-thickness penetrating keratoplasty at Neera Eye Centre, Delhi — replace the entire central cornea when damage spans every layer.
Full depth
All corneal layers replaced
Trephine
Precision circular excision
6–12 mo
Suture adjustment window
PK
Full-thickness graft
Service Overview
When damage spans the entire depth of the eye wall, selective layer surgery cannot suffice. Penetrating keratoplasty is a full-thickness corneal transplant that replaces the entire central section of the compromised cornea. Our surgical centers use ultra-sharp mechanical trephines or advanced laser systems to remove the full-thickness disc cleanly. By replacing all layers from the epithelium down to the corneal endothelium, this approach resolves deep opacities that block light transmission.
What It Covers
Diseased Core Extraction
Safely removing the central scarred window without disturbing inner iris boundaries.
Donor Disc Placement
Matching a matching full-thickness donor window perfectly into the prepared recipient bed.
Interrupted Suture Fixation
Placing multiple individual corneal sutures manually to distribute structural tension evenly.
Endothelial Protection
Deploying specialized viscoelastic gels during surgery to safeguard internal cells from trauma.
Who It Is For
Deep Total Scarring
Patients with dense central scars traversing every layer from traumatic injuries or severe infections.
Advanced Corneal Dystrophy
Individuals suffering from late-stage disorders where structural swelling affects the entire thickness.
Severe Global Thinning
Eyes exhibiting extreme structural thinning that risks perforation if left unaddressed.
How It Works
Deep Stabilization
The eye is securely stabilized under a high-magnification operating microscope, and local block numbing is carefully delivered.
Full-Layer Excision
A calibrated trephine creates a precise round incision, allowing the complete removal of the opaque central cornea.
Suture Anchorage
The fresh donor graft is stitched into position with ultra-fine sutures, which remain in place for several months.
Why Choose Us
Our anterior segment department features highly skilled microsurgeons possessing extensive practical experience in manual full-thickness reconstruction. We incorporate high-resolution intraoperative monitoring tools to verify perfect alignment during graft placement. Our dedicated post-op tracking systems ensure precise suture adjustment and tension balancing, significantly reducing astigmatism risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the corneal sutures removed after a full-thickness procedure?
Sutures are left in place to ensure absolute stability and are selectively removed or adjusted starting 6 to 12 months post-surgery.
Why does a full-thickness transplant require a longer recovery period?
Because all layers are severed, the avascular outer cornea heals slowly, requiring careful tracking to ensure full structural integration.
Can I wear glasses or contact lenses after undergoing this surgery?
Yes, most individuals require standard glasses or specialized rigid gas permeable contact lenses to fine-tune their vision after the eye heals.
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Book a comprehensive eye evaluation. Our specialists will recommend the best course of action for your vision.