CTAK is a tissue-additive keratoconus procedure. A shaped piece of natural donor corneal stroma — often a lenticule derived from a SMILE procedure — is implanted into a femtosecond-laser pocket in your cornea to flatten the cone and improve its shape. Because it adds natural tissue rather than a synthetic implant, it is customisable to your cone and considered potentially reversible.
What is CTAK?
CTAK stands for corneal tissue addition keratoplasty. It improves the shape and regularity of a keratoconic cornea so that vision in glasses or soft lenses is better and rigid contact-lens wear becomes easier or unnecessary. Unlike synthetic ring segments, CTAK uses natural corneal tissue shaped to your specific cone; and because tissue is added into a pocket rather than host tissue removed, the lenticule can in principle be repositioned, exchanged or removed, and it does not preclude a future corneal transplant.
It is an emerging, specialist procedure performed by consultant corneal surgeons at our South England partner clinics, with UK-wide guidance through your pathway. Importantly, CTAK improves shape but does not halt the underlying disease — progression is controlled with corneal cross-linking, which is usually done first or combined.
Where CTAK fits in the keratoconus pathway
How CTAK is performed
CTAK is a day-case procedure under topical anaesthetic drops — no injection, no general anaesthetic. The surgeon uses a femtosecond laser to create a precise pocket within your cornea, then implants a prepared donor corneal lenticule that has been shaped to flatten and regularise your particular cone. There is little or no pain during surgery. A bandage contact lens supports the surface while the epithelium heals over the first day or two. The added tissue gradually settles, reshaping the cornea towards a more regular profile.
Cone stabilised by cross-linking but vision still limited by an irregular cornea? CTAK may help.
Book your corneal assessmentRecovery timeline
First few days
The surface epithelium usually heals within a few days. The eye can feel gritty and watery at first, eased by a bandage contact lens and lubricating drops.
Weeks 1–4
Vision often fluctuates while the cornea settles into its new shape. You use the prescribed drops and avoid eye-rubbing and strenuous activity as advised.
Months 1–3
Final visual results and stable topography are typically assessed over one to three months, when any refitting of glasses or contact lenses is planned.
Ongoing
Eye-rubbing must be controlled to protect the result. If the disease progresses, cross-linking or a later transplant remain possible.
How much does CTAK cost?
As an emerging specialist procedure, UK 2026 self-pay CTAK typically costs £4,000–£6,500 per eye at CQC-registered centres, covering the consultant, the prepared corneal lenticule, femtosecond-laser pocket creation, the day-case theatre and routine post-operative reviews. Corneal cross-linking, if needed first to stabilise the cone, is usually priced separately. We quote your full pathway in writing before surgery — see our price list.
CTAK FAQs
As an emerging specialist procedure, UK 2026 self-pay CTAK typically costs £4,000–£6,500 per eye at CQC-registered centres, covering the consultant, the prepared corneal lenticule, femtosecond-laser pocket creation, the day-case theatre and routine post-operative reviews. Corneal cross-linking, if needed first, is usually priced separately.
CTAK stands for corneal tissue addition keratoplasty. It is a tissue-additive lamellar procedure in which a shaped piece of donor (allogenic) corneal stroma, often a lenticule derived from a SMILE procedure, is implanted into a femtosecond-laser pocket in the patient’s cornea to flatten the keratoconic cone and improve the shape of the cornea.
Ring segments (such as Intacs) are synthetic plastic implants placed in stromal channels to reshape the cornea. CTAK instead adds natural corneal tissue, which can be customised to the cone and avoids a permanent synthetic implant. Both aim to flatten and regularise the cornea; CTAK is newer and more bespoke.
No, CTAK does not cure keratoconus. It improves the shape of the cornea and the quality of vision, but it does not stop the underlying disease. Progression is controlled with corneal cross-linking, which halts the disease; CTAK is usually performed on a cornea that has already been stabilised (cross-linking first or combined), to improve its shape and reduce dependence on rigid contact lenses.
CTAK is tissue-sparing and lower-risk than a full or deep transplant (DALK), and it preserves the option of a transplant later. For eyes that would otherwise head towards transplant mainly because of poor shape and contact-lens intolerance, CTAK can be a less invasive step. Eyes with significant central scarring may still need a transplant.
CTAK is an emerging specialist procedure offered at a small number of centres and is not routinely available on the NHS, where keratoconus is managed with cross-linking, contact lenses, ring segments and transplant. Private access allows assessment and treatment by a corneal specialist who offers the technique.