illustration of an eye and a donor cornea

Cornea Transplant

Damaged or diseased corneal tissue can cause significant pain, distort your vision, and affect your independence over time.

At the Laser Vision Correction Center of New Jersey, we use the most up-to-date cornea transplant techniques to restore patients' health.

Why is cornea surgery recommended?

illustration of an eye and a donor cornea

A Cornea Transplant Can Restore Your Quality of Life

Improved Comfort

A swollen cornea can be incredibly painful. If other solutions have failed to provide relief, transplant surgery can restore the normal shape and size of your cornea and alleviate discomfort.

Better Vision

When your cornea is unhealthy, light does not enter your eye properly, which can cause blurred vision or constant glare. Replacing the tissue can allow you to see with enhanced clarity.

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A Versatile Treatment Option

Our corneal specialist, Dr. Emily Jacobs, can use a cornea transplant to treat a range of conditions, including keratoconus, Fuch's dystrophy, and corneal ulcers.

Find Relief Today

If you are experiencing trouble seeing or other symptoms, Dr. Jacobs can help you find relief and determine if you need a corneal transplant. Dr. Jacobs is a highly trained corneal specialist, so you can rest assured you are receiving the highest level of care to protect your eye health and vision. We can treat patients from West Orange and surrounding communities.

Same-day consultations are available.

Call us today at: 

(866) 99 EYE DR

Schedule Your Consultation Now
Dr. Jacobs

What happens during a cornea transplant?

cornea transplant illustration cornea transplant illustration

What conditions can be treated with a corneal transplant?

A Corneal Transplant  Can Improve:

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is a vision condition that occurs when the cornea is irregularly shaped due to uneven curvature. As a result, your vision becomes blurred.

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Keratoconus

Your cornea should be round. However, it can begin to bend, becoming a cone shape which affects how light enters the eye and distorts vision.

Corneal Infections

A corneal infection can lead to an ulcer that forms on the outer layer of the cornea. It requires urgent treatment as it can spread to the rest of the eye and potentially cause blindness.

Corneal Scarring

Scar tissue that forms on the cornea can impair your vision by preventing light from entering the eye properly. Scarring can be caused by an injury or several eye conditions.

Corneal Swelling

Swelling occurs when the endothelium, which regulates liquid in the cornea, becomes damaged. This causes fluid build up, resulting in swelling. 

Is a corneal transplant the right solution for you?

Factors That Affect Your Candidacy for a Corneal Transplant

Vision Impairment

A corneal transplant is usually only necessary for patients whose condition or injury has affected their vision significantly, impairing their ability to perform necessary daily activities. 

Exhaust Other Options

Typically, it is recommended that you undergo a less invasive treatment if you qualify for one. In some cases, this may be using medication or wearing corrective eyewear. 

Available Time Off

While the initial recovery typically takes a few weeks, in some cases, patients need to take a few months off from work, school, or other commitments until their vision fully stabilizes.

Is this procedure safe?

Advanced Techniques Lower Your Risk

At the Laser Vision Correction Center of New Jersey, serving patients in West Orange and surrounding areas, we use the latest techniques to perform corneal transplant surgery. Our surgeons perform DMEK (Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty) and DSEK (Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty) for partial thickness corneal transplant.

According to the Cornea Research Foundation of America, these methods can significantly reduce the risk of implant rejection because there is less donor tissue used. The risk of rejection with DSEK is only 12 percent. 

An Impressive Level of Care

"Dr. Emily Jacobs is a first rate physician and person. Having both eyes requiring corneal transplants is not an easy challenge. Dr. Jacobs, owing to both her skills and caring approach has given me the gift of sight. Her caring and careful approach to the treatment required was most importantly successful!!" Joan Hillman

We also use the best technology during diagnosis and planning...

Improved Accuracy with the Right Tools

It is incredibly important that the doctor is able to properly identify the source of corneal issues. As such, we remain abreast of the latest developments and equip our practice with the most advanced technology including:

  • IOLMaster® 700
  • Pentacam®
  • Specular microscopes

​These tools allow us to perform a highly detailed analysis of the anterior segment and corneal cells. With this data, we can then determine the severity of your condition and recommend the best treatment solution. In some cases, that will be a corneal transplant, but in others, it may be a non-invasive method. 

We are available for same-day consultations to ensure that you receive timely, high-quality care. 

Ophthalmology equipment

What does corneal transplant surgery entail? 

What to Expect  the Day of Your Procedure

Corneal transplant surgery is an outpatient procedure that takes under an hour to perform.

Preparation

A local anesthetic will be applied to numb the treatment area. In some cases, patients may request sedation. However, most patients do not require general anesthesia for this procedure. 

Removal of Damaged Tissue

An incision will be made at the edge of the cornea. Dr. Jacobs will then remove the diseased tissue. 

Donor Tissue Placement

The donor tissue will then be carefully placed through the incision's opening using a small insertion device. Often, the tissue rolls up and needs to be flattened against the cornea using special tools. 

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Closure of Incision

Dr. Jacobs will then secure your new cornea in place and close the incision. 

How can I prepare for my recovery after the procedure? 

Tips & Guidelines for Your Recovery

While the initial recovery should take about one to two weeks, your vision will continue to evolve over the course of several months. It is important to attend follow-up appointments so the doctor can monitor your progress and determine when it is safe for you to increase your activity levels. 

What People Say  About Dr. Emily Jacobs

Dr. Jacobs performed my lasik procedure. She was in charge of my pre-op exams and post-op care. She was excellent. She was patient, thorough, knowledgeable, friendly, and accessible. I can’t recommend her highly enough. She was happy to answer questions and took her time while treating me. Visits never felt rushed. Keep up the great great work Dr. Jacobs! Your patients are grateful. Shannon in Hoboken, NJ

Locations

We have 2 locations in the greater New Jersey area

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*Disclaimer: results are not guaranteed, may not be permanent, and can vary per individual. Some images are of models, not actual patients.

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West Orange Office

101 Old Short Hills Rd
Ste 430
West Orange, NJ 07052

Open Today 7:30am - 4:00pm

Open Two Saturdays a Month. Call for Hours

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(973) 325-3300

Livingston Office

315 E Northfield Rd
#2b
Livingston, NJ 07039

Open Today 8:00am - 4:00pm

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(973) 994-0010

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