complimentary assessment
Deep Corneal Implantation for Keratoconus and Corneal Ectasia
A Minimally Invasive Deep Corneal Implantation Procedure for Keratoconus
The Ghabra Technique is an innovative, minimally invasive surgical procedure developed to stabilise and strengthen the cornea in patients with keratoconus and related corneal ectatic disorders.
Unlike surface-level or ring-based approaches, this method involves deep corneal implantation of a specially designed biocompatible implant that reinforces the cornea from within. By improving its biomechanical strength and restoring a more regular shape, the Ghabra Technique aims to enhance vision quality and delay or avoid the need for corneal transplantation.
Developed through international collaboration and research, the procedure has been recognised as a breakthrough in modern keratoconus management, combining precision engineering with advanced surgical control to deliver both safety and predictable results.
The Ghabra Technique uses state-of-the-art imaging and laser-assisted precision to guide the placement of a custom-made implant within the cornea.
General procedural overview:
The cornea is mapped and measured to determine the optimal placement for the implant.
A deep corneal pocket is created using highly accurate surgical methods.
A thin, flexible, biocompatible implant is inserted into the cornea through a micro-incision.
The implant integrates naturally with the surrounding tissue, improving corneal stability and symmetry.
The procedure is typically completed under topical or local anaesthesia and does not require stitches. Patients usually experience rapid recovery, minimal discomfort, and gradual improvement in vision as the cornea stabilises.
Keratoconus causes the cornea to thin and bulge, leading to visual distortion, irregular astigmatism, and progressive vision loss.
While treatments such as corneal cross-linking and intracorneal ring segments help stabilise or reshape the cornea, they may not provide sufficient structural reinforcement in certain cases.
The Ghabra Technique works from within the cornea, providing internal support that enhances its natural strength and contour.
This deeper approach offers several advantages:
It represents a new category of treatment—a structural solution rather than a purely optical one—for patients who need more than surface-based therapies.
Early and mid-term clinical data have shown:
Published reports describe the Ghabra Technique as a viable alternative to transplantation for many patients with moderate to advanced keratoconus.
Hear directly from patients whose lives were changed by surgeon-led care at The Harley Street Eye Centre.
Cadell
Laser Eye Surgery
“This surgery changed my life , it was like night and day. I was back to playing football like nothing happened.”
Joel
Laser Eye Surgery
“I literally woke up the next morning and could see , it was just like nothing had ever happened.”
Amira
Laser Eye Surgery
“My questions were answered. I felt a lot more comfortable and I didn’t feel like I was ever rushed or pressured into making the decision.”
Sharon
Laser Eye Surgery
“I thought that was it… And once I saw him — oh my God, it was like… I said to him, you’re like my guardian angel. Because I just felt safe. I actually felt safe in his hands.”
| Criteria | The Ghabra Technique |
|---|---|
| Have progressive keratoconus or corneal ectasia not adequately managed by other treatments | ✅ |
| Seek to improve vision and avoid or postpone corneal transplantation | ✅ |
| Require structural reinforcement of the cornea while maintaining its natural appearance | ✅ |
| Have good general eye health and sufficient corneal thickness for implantation | ✅ |
You’ll be welcomed by our clinical team, who will conduct final checks and ensure your comfort throughout
A short film walking you through assessment, treatment plan and aftercare at our Harley Street facility.
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We look forward to welcoming you to your appointment and answering any questions you may have about treatment options, the clinic, timings or fees. Your consultation will include a comprehensive assessment by a consultant ophthalmologist, including vision testing and any required diagnostic imaging, to determine your suitability for treatment and develop an individualised management plan.
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Following review of your assessment results, your consultant will explain the findings and discuss the most appropriate evidence-based management options, including non-surgical alternatives where relevant. The consultation will include a discussion of the expected outcomes, potential risks, recovery considerations and associated costs, enabling a shared decision on the most suitable treatment plan for your needs.
03
You will be welcomed by our clinical team, who will complete final checks, confirm consent and ensure you are comfortable before treatment. The procedure is performed by your consultant using modern technology, followed by immediate post-operative assessment and provision of tailored aftercare instructions, including guidance for your recovery and onward support.
04
Good outcomes depend on structured follow-up care. We will monitor your recovery through scheduled reviews, adjust medications as required, and provide ongoing clinical advice, including guidance on symptoms, activity levels, and when to seek further support, with direct access to our team between appointments if needed.
The Ghabra Technique can be performed as a standalone procedure or as part of a combined treatment plan that may include:
Never a sales team
From your first assessment to your three-month review, the consultant on the call is the consultant in the operating room. No call centre, no pressure script, no juniors fronting the clinical decisions.
Of combined expertise
A senior consultant roster whose careers, taken together, span more than half a century of corneal, cataract, refractive and retinal surgery , across the NHS, internationally and at 22a Harley Street.
Successful treatments
Our advanced treatments are supported by detailed assessments, proven techniques and personalised care plans designed around each patient’s individual needs. From diagnosis through to recovery and ongoing monitoring, we focus on delivering safe, effective treatment pathways with your vision and eye health as the priority.
From your lead surgeon
Mr Marwan Ghabra has been operating since 1985 , founder of the Ghabra Technique, founding member of the International Keratoconus Society, and the surgeon who will plan and perform your procedure.
Clinical decisions
Most enquiries are seen the same week. Urgent cases , corneal damage, sudden change, infection , are seen the same day where clinically possible.
Of aftercare cover
Four post-op reviews over three months, direct team access in between, and twelve-month retreatment cover on most laser procedures, included in the original quote.
Founder and medical director. Cornea, cataract and refractive specialist. Originator of the Ghabra Technique for advanced keratoconus, and founding member of the International Keratoconus Society.
He performed the first phacoemulsification cataract procedure in Damascus in 1998, and continues to take on the complex cases that other clinics decline.
Ongoing research continues to explore improvements in implant design, material science, and imaging-guided placement techniques. Early results indicate strong potential for this procedure to become a standard of care in intermediate stages of keratoconus—offering an effective, tissue-preserving alternative to transplantation.
The Ghabra Technique exemplifies how innovative corneal biomechanics and precise surgical technology can combine to deliver safer, more predictable, and longer-lasting visual outcomes.
Your keratoconus assessment is complimentary. An hour with our diagnostic team and a real conversation with the surgeon who would treat you. No obligation.
