Cornea Surgery Melbourne
DMEK, DSAEK, and PKP corneal transplants — expert management of corneal disease and keratoconus in Bundoora and Wonthaggi.
Subspecialty Corneal Surgery
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. It acts as the eye's primary focusing element and protective barrier. When the cornea becomes diseased, clouded, or structurally compromised, vision can be significantly impaired — often in ways not correctable by glasses or contact lenses.
Dr Ross MacIntyre MD FRANZCO completed his subspecialty fellowship in cornea, complex cataract, and refractive surgery at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University — one of the world's leading corneal surgery programmes. He holds a Staff Specialist appointment at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital's Cornea Unit and has extensive experience in the full range of corneal surgical and medical treatments.
Corneal Conditions Treated
Keratoconus
Progressive thinning and forward bulging of the cornea causing irregular astigmatism and visual distortion. Treated with rigid contact lenses, corneal cross-linking (CXL), and corneal transplantation when required.
Fuchs' Endothelial Dystrophy
Degeneration of the endothelial cells lining the inner cornea, causing progressive corneal swelling and blurred vision. Treated with DMEK or DSAEK corneal transplantation.
Corneal Scarring
Scarring from infection, injury, or previous surgery causing opacification of the cornea. May require partial or full thickness corneal transplantation (PKP).
Bullous Keratopathy
Persistent corneal oedema (swelling) causing painful blistering of the corneal surface, often following cataract surgery or intraocular inflammation.
Corneal Infections (Keratitis)
Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections of the cornea. Dr MacIntyre provides comprehensive medical management and, where required, surgical intervention for severe keratitis.
Pterygium
Abnormal tissue growth from the conjunctiva onto the corneal surface, which can threaten vision or cause persistent discomfort. Treated with surgical excision using conjunctival autograft technique.
Corneal Transplant Techniques
Modern corneal surgery is now largely performed using targeted, partial-thickness techniques that replace only the diseased layers of the cornea — preserving the healthy tissue and allowing for faster recovery with superior visual outcomes. Dr MacIntyre performs the full range of corneal transplant procedures.
DMEK — Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty
The most advanced form of corneal transplantation. Only 10–15 microns of donor tissue (just the endothelial monolayer and Descemet membrane) is transplanted, replacing the diseased inner layer of the cornea. DMEK provides the fastest visual recovery and the best long-term outcomes with the lowest risk of rejection. Suitable for Fuchs' dystrophy and bullous keratopathy.
DSAEK — Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty
A slightly thicker partial thickness graft (100–150 microns) that replaces the diseased endothelium and adjacent stroma. A well-established technique with excellent outcomes, used in cases where DMEK may be technically challenging.
PKP — Penetrating Keratoplasty (Full Thickness)
Full thickness corneal transplantation, replacing the entire cornea. Reserved for extensive corneal scarring, advanced keratoconus where DALK is not possible, and conditions affecting all layers of the cornea. Recovery takes longer than lamellar techniques but remains a highly effective procedure for the right patient.
DALK — Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty
Replaces the anterior (front) stroma of the cornea while preserving the patient's own endothelium. Used for keratoconus and anterior corneal scarring. Because the recipient's own endothelium is retained, the risk of rejection is lower than PKP.
Keratoconus & Corneal Cross-Linking
Keratoconus is a progressive condition in which the cornea gradually thins and takes on an irregular, cone-like shape. This causes distorted, blurred vision that is difficult to correct with standard spectacle lenses. It typically begins in the teenage years or early twenties and can progress over many years.
Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is a minimally invasive treatment that halts the progression of keratoconus by strengthening the collagen fibres within the cornea using riboflavin (vitamin B2) eye drops combined with controlled UV-A light. It is the only evidence-based treatment that stops keratoconus from worsening. While it does not reverse existing changes, it preserves the remaining corneal structure and can often avoid the need for corneal transplantation.
For patients with more advanced keratoconus where contact lens wear is no longer possible, corneal transplantation (DALK or PKP) can restore useful vision. Dr MacIntyre will assess the stage of your keratoconus and recommend the most appropriate treatment at your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cornea Surgery
What is DMEK corneal transplant surgery?
Can keratoconus be treated without surgery?
How long does recovery take after a corneal transplant?
Further Reading
Book a Corneal Consultation
Consulting in Bundoora and Wonthaggi. A GP or optometrist referral is required for Medicare rebates.