Advanced Corneal Care with Dr. Kelli Coleman
The cornea plays a critical role in focusing light and providing clear vision. When it becomes damaged, swollen, or cloudy from disease, genetics, or injury, vision can decline rapidly, sometimes to the point where glasses or standard treatments are no longer effective. In these situations, a corneal transplant can restore clarity and protect long-term eye health.
At the Willis Knighton Eye Institute, Dr. Kelli Coleman, our fellowship-trained Cornea Specialist, offers the full spectrum of modern corneal transplant procedures, including PKP, DMEK, and DSAEK. Her expertise enables patients to receive highly specialized corneal care with today’s most advanced, least invasive surgical techniques.
Penetrating Keratoplasty (PKP)
PKP is a full-thickness corneal transplant used when multiple layers of the cornea are affected. During this procedure, the central portion of the diseased cornea is replaced with healthy donor tissue. PKP remains an excellent option for patients with deep scars, severe thinning, or advanced corneal disease.
Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK)
DMEK is the most refined form of endothelial transplant surgery, replacing only the thin layer of cells that maintain corneal clarity. Because it uses the least amount of donor tissue, DMEK often provides the sharpest visual outcomes, the fastest recovery, and the lowest risk of rejection.
Dr. Coleman performs DMEK for patients with conditions such as Fuchs’ dystrophy and other causes of endothelial cell failure.
Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK)
DSAEK is a partial-thickness transplant similar to DMEK, but it involves implanting a slightly thicker donor tissue layer. It is particularly helpful for patients whose eye anatomy or medical history makes DMEK less suitable. DSAEK offers excellent vision restoration with a shorter recovery time than traditional full-thickness transplants.
Why Choose Dr. Kelli Coleman for Corneal Transplant Surgery?
Patients who require corneal transplant surgery deserve a surgeon with advanced training and a thoughtful, individualized approach. As a fellowship-trained Cornea Specialist, Dr. Kelli Coleman provides a level of expertise that allows patients to receive modern PKP, DMEK, and DSAEK procedures here at home, without needing to travel to a larger medical center.
Her care is grounded in precision, compassion, and clear communication. From diagnosis through recovery, Dr. Kelli Coleman takes the time to understand each patient’s unique needs and create a treatment plan that supports both comfort and long-term vision.
At the Willis Knighton Eye Institute, she works closely with Dr. Christopher Shelby and Dr. Wyche T. Coleman, III, providing patients with the benefit of a collaborative team with decades of experience in advanced anterior segment surgery. Together, they provide modern technology, detailed follow-up, and continuity of care that help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
