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Corneal Transplant Surgery in Brisbane

Dr Gunn is one of Queensland’s most experienced corneal transplant surgeons. He is one of just a few surgeons in Australia who routinely performs corneal transplants with bladeless femtosecond lasers.

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What is a Corneal Transplant?

A corneal transplant (keratoplasty) is a surgical procedure where a diseased or damaged cornea is replaced with healthy corneal tissue from a donor. While it is one of the most successful transplant procedures in medicine, modern ophthalmology has evolved from "full-thickness" transplants to "selective" transplants—replacing only the specific layers of your eye that are affected.

Why You May Need a Transplant:

  • Corneal Scarring: Resulting from past infections (like shingles or herpes) or severe trauma.
  • Advanced Keratoconus: Where the cornea has become too thin or scarred for treatments like CAIRS or Cross-Linking.
  • Corneal Dystrophies: Such as Fuchs' Dystrophy or other inherited conditions that cause permanent clouding.
  • Graft Failure: Replacing an older corneal transplant that has reached the end of its functional life.
  • Corneal Ulcers: Severe infections that do not respond to medical treatment.
Comparison of DMEK ultra-thin graft and DSAEK sutured corneal transplant surgical techniques.

How We Treat Corneal Disease: The Specialist Advantage

Dr. David Gunn is internationally trained in the full range of modern corneal graft techniques. His philosophy is to be as minimally invasive as possible, preserving your own healthy tissue whenever possible to reduce the risk of rejection.

DMEK & DSAEK (Endothelial Grafts)

Used for diseases of the back layer (like Fuchs'). We replace only the inner 1% to 5% of the cornea. These offer the fastest recovery and best vision.

DALK

Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty is used for keratoconus or scarring on the front of the eye. We replace the front 95% of the cornea while keeping your own healthy inner layer.

Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK)

The traditional 'full-thickness' transplant. While superseded in many cases, it remains the gold standard for full-thickness scarring or complex reconstructions.

Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Corneal Transplant

Dr Gunn is one of the few surgeons in Australia with access to femtosecond laser keratoplasty technology. The vast majority of corneal transplant surgeons in Australia perform their procedures using manual (blade based) techniques.


Dr Gunn has access to the Ziemer Z8 femtosecond laser platform, which allows precise customisation of the corneal graft shape — resulting in better wound healing, faster visual recovery, and superior long-term outcomes compared to traditional manual trephination.

Why Choose Dr. Gunn for Your Graft?

Sub-Specialist Expertise

Fellowship training at the renowned Bristol Eye Hospital (UK) specifically in advanced corneal surgery.

Precision Technology

Utilizing high-resolution anterior segment OCT to map your corneal layers with micron-level accuracy before surgery.

Safety First

Dr. Gunn prioritizes 'lamellar' (partial-thickness) surgery, which offers higher structural strength and lower rejection rates than traditional methods.

Why Consult Dr. David Gunn?

"Dr. David Gunn's status as a RANZCO Gold Medalist and his international experience ensure you are receiving the most current evidence-based care available."

RANZCO Gold Medalist & National Technology Pioneer

Fellowship-Trained Corneal & Refractive Surgeon

Personalized Care: All assessments and surgeries performed by Dr. Gunn personally

The Eye Bank & Donor Tissue

Corneal transplant tissue is provided by the Queensland Eye Bank. Donor corneas are carefully screened and tested to ensure safety. The gift of sight from a tissue donor allows Dr Gunn to restore vision for patients with corneal disease. Current waiting times for transplant surgery in Queensland vary — contact us for the latest information.

What You Can Expect

1. Your Consultation

A detailed mapping session using swept-source biometry and topography. Dr. Gunn explains which type of graft is safest and what your 'visual potential' is.

3D CORNEAL MAPPING

2. The Procedure

Performed as a day-stay procedure in a private hospital under twilight sedation or general anaesthetic. The donor tissue is secured with microscopic sutures or an air/gas bubble.

SPECIALISED SURGERY

3. Recovery & Aftercare

1–2 weeks off work for DMEK, and up to 4 weeks for PK. No heavy lifting or swimming for one month. For PK and DALK, sutures are slowly removed over 12–18 months.

STRUCTURED RECOVERY

Corneal Transplant FAQs

Where does the donor tissue come from?
Donor tissue is provided by the Eye Bank. All tissue undergoes rigorous screening for infectious diseases and quality checks to ensure it is healthy and safe for transplant.
What is the risk of rejection?
Graft rejection occurs when your immune system recognizes the donor tissue. Risk varies: it is less than 1% for DMEK, around 5-10% for DALK, and slightly higher for PK. Most rejections can be treated successfully with eye drops if caught early.
Will I have stitches in my eye?
For DMEK, no stitches are usually required as an air bubble holds the graft. For DALK and PK, microscopic stitches are used. These are thinner than a human hair and are generally not felt by the patient.
How long does a corneal transplant last?
A full-thickness corneal transplant typically lasts 15-20 years or more. Newer partial-thickness techniques like DMEK may have even better long-term outcomes. Dr Gunn will discuss the expected lifespan of your specific transplant type at your consultation.
How long is the waiting list for corneal transplant in Queensland?
Waiting times depend on the urgency of your condition and tissue availability from the Queensland Eye Bank. Urgent cases are prioritised. Contact our rooms for current estimated wait times.
Why is femtosecond laser technology superior for corneal transplants?
Traditional corneal transplants are performed using manual cutting instruments called trephines, which produce a straight vertical cut. The Ziemer Z8 femtosecond laser allows Dr Gunn to create precisely shaped, interlocking wound profiles — such as top-hat or zigzag patterns — that fit together like a jigsaw piece. This results in a stronger, more watertight wound with faster healing, fewer sutures, reduced astigmatism, and more predictable visual outcomes. The laser also allows micron-level precision that simply cannot be achieved by hand, which is particularly important in complex or repeat transplant cases.

Reclaim your visual world.

Dr Gunn is one of Queensland's most experienced corneal transplant surgeons. Book a consultation to discuss your options.

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Written and reviewed by Dr David Gunn FRANZCO, FWCRS — Corneal, Cataract and Refractive Surgeon.
Last reviewed: 1 May 2026

The content on this website is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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