A scar sitting in the top layers, with clear tissue underneath
Drops, or surface laser smoothing (PTK)
A scar that shallow can often be treated without opening the cornea. Anterior OCT measures the depth before anything is decided.
Corneal scar · corneal opacity · corneal failure
A white or cloudy cornea: when does it need a transplant?
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy2026-09-22Review policy
A corneal scar is fibrous tissue that replaces the clear layers of the cornea, usually after an infection or an injury. It blurs vision, and its depth decides the treatment: drops for the mildest, surface laser (PTK) for scars within the top 150 microns, and a corneal transplant (DALK or PKP) for deep or full-thickness scars.
Not every corneal scar needs surgery, but the late ones need a specialist who knows the difference. Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy sets the right option after the exam: topography and anterior OCT measure how deep the scar goes and which layer it sits in, and that measurement, not the price, decides between laser and a graft.
Why choose us
International standard. Regional access.
Diagnosis first, then the plan
Topography, anterior OCT and the slit lamp tell us the depth and the layer of the scar. You get the result and a clear plan within 24 to 48 hours, in one visit.
The least invasive option that still works
Anti-inflammatory drops, a medical contact lens, or PRP injections in early cases come first. PTK laser is reserved for surface scars only: deeper than 150 microns it does not reach the scar and can weaken the cornea.
DALK before PKP whenever the endothelium is healthy
DALK replaces the front layers and keeps your own endothelium, which lowers the risk of rejection and shortens recovery. PKP replaces the whole cornea and is kept for full-thickness scars and failed grafts.
Herpes scars handled in the right order
A scar left by herpes keratitis is treatable, but the virus is settled first with antivirals for at least six months before any surgery, and prophylaxis continues after the graft to prevent a relapse.
Corneal scar options
How deep is the scar?
Choose what matches your scar
A scar reaching into the stroma while the endothelium still works
DALK, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty
Laser cannot reach that depth without thinning the cornea, so the front layers are replaced and your endothelium is kept.
A scar plus irregular astigmatism, so glasses never quite sharpen the image
Rigid or scleral lenses first, DALK if the lens is not enough
Part of the blur comes from an uneven surface rather than the scar itself. A rigid lens masks that part, which also shows how much vision the scar is really costing.
Orientation only. Scar depth and endothelial health come from the corneal exam (topography and anterior OCT), and that exam sets the plan, not this guide.
Book a corneal examProcedures & pricing
Transparent USD pricing.
Final cost is set after clinical examination. Local-currency equivalents available on request. Insurance reports issued for international patients.
| Procedure | Best for | From (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| PTK, laser removal of a surface scar | Scars up to 150 microns deep, endothelium untouched. Vision returns in 2 to 4 weeks. | $1,500 - $2,500 |
| DALK, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty | Deep scars with a healthy endothelium. Your own inner layer stays, so rejection risk is lower. 6 to 12 months to a stable result. | $2,500 - $3,000 |
| PKP, full-thickness corneal transplant | Full-thickness scars, endothelial failure, or failed previous grafts. 12 to 18 months with follow-up visits. | $3,000 |
Common questions
Frequently asked.
Does a corneal scar heal on its own?
Small surface scars can fade with time and anti-inflammatory drops. Deep or large scars do not disappear by themselves, because the fibrous tissue is permanent. An early assessment with a specialist tells you whether medical treatment is enough or a procedure is needed.
When does a corneal scar need a transplant?
A transplant becomes necessary when the scar extends through more than half of the corneal thickness, when it affects central vision persistently, when PTK laser cannot reach its depth, or when the original infection has failed treatment and left permanent damage. Anterior OCT settles this precisely.
What is the difference between DALK and PKP for a corneal scar?
DALK keeps your own endothelium, so the chance of rejection is lower and recovery is shorter; it suits scars that have not reached the endothelium. PKP replaces the whole cornea and suits full-thickness scars or eyes where previous grafts have failed. Dr. Shaarawy chooses between them after the OCT exam.
Can PTK laser remove a corneal scar?
PTK removes surface scars with high precision and suits scars no deeper than 150 microns. For deep or full-thickness scars PTK is not enough and can weaken the cornea, so an anterior OCT scan comes before the decision.
What is corneal failure, and how is it different from a scar?
A corneal scar is fibrous tissue replacing the clear layers, usually after an infection or an injury. Corneal failure is the loss of the endothelial cells: fluid then builds up inside the cornea and it turns cloudy, as in Fuchs dystrophy or after cataract surgery. The mechanisms differ, but both can end in a corneal transplant.
How much does corneal scar treatment cost in Egypt?
If the scar is superficial and suits PTK: about $1,500 to $2,500. If it needs DALK: $2,500 to $3,000. A full PKP: $3,000. The price includes the donor tissue, the surgeon, anaesthesia and the operating room. Use the transplant cost page for an estimate matched to your case.Estimate your transplant cost
Can a scar left by herpes keratitis be treated?
Yes, but it needs experience. The herpes is first suppressed with antivirals (acyclovir or valacyclovir) for at least six months before any surgery. A corneal transplant, usually DALK or PKP, is possible once the virus is quiet, with continued prevention of relapse after the graft.
How long is recovery after corneal scar treatment?
PTK: 2 to 4 weeks for vision to return. DALK: 6 to 12 months until vision is fully stable. PKP: 12 to 18 months, with follow-up visits to check for rejection and adjust the sutures. Vision improves gradually over the first months and then settles.
When is a corneal scar an emergency?
Most corneal scars are not emergencies. See an eye doctor within 24 to 48 hours if you have sudden severe pain or burning, a sudden drop in vision over hours, an acute infection with pus, disturbed vision after a previous corneal graft (possible rejection), or a direct chemical or sharp injury to the eye.Book an urgent corneal exam
Send a photo of the eye and your last report. We'll tell you the likely path within 24 hours.
OCT, topography and Dr. Shaarawy's opinion in one visit, then a clear treatment plan. To start, send a clear photo of the affected eye (good lighting, no flash) and any previous corneal exam you have.
Medical references
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, EyeSmart: Corneal Disease. aao.org/eye-health/diseases/corneal-disease
- European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS). escrs.org
- Dr. Ahmed Shaarawy: 20+ years of corneal and refractive surgery, Devers Eye Institute fellowship (Portland, Oregon), two surgical techniques published in the AAO video series (Smart Splash and Graft Exchange after DALK).