Corneal transplants are commonly used for treating two types of corneal problems. The first is kerotoconus, a disease that causes progressive thinning of the cornea. The second is excessive scarring caused by chemical burns, blunt trauma or other severe lacerations to the cornea.

During the surgery, the central corneal area, known as a corneal button, is removed and replaced with tissue from another person's eye. The replacement corneal tissue is then sutured in place. While vision will not be perfect after recovery, the patient will regain a certain amount of central vision. For kerotoconus patients, a lens is fitted after the surgery to help soften the curvature of the eye and improve vision.