The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped window covering the front of the eye like the crystal on a watch, it gives us a clear window to look through. Because there are no blood vessels in the cornea, it is normally clear and has a shiny surface. Corneal transplant surgery, also known as keratoplasty, is a common procedure used to replace a damaged or diseased cornea with a healthy one from a suitable donor. When the cornea is damaged, it can lead to vision problems and, in severe cases, even blindness. Corneal transplant surgery is widely performed these days and can help restore a person’s vision, thereby improving his/her quality of life significantly.
- You will be in the operating room for 1-2 hours, but the actual surgery takes less time
- Following surgery, your eye most likely will be red, irritated, and sensitive to light
- Discomfort usually is controlled with topical drops.
- Most people will have sutures, although you probably will not be aware of them.
- Some sutures may be removed as early as three months after surgery. Others may remain for a year or more.
- Vision usually is blurred after surgery. It gradually improves as healing takes place. You may need to wait for 3 to 12 months for new glass prescription.
- Some patients with desk jobs can return to work within a few days. Other can be off work for a few weeks.
- The risk of corneal transplant rejection is low. However, it is possible to have a rejection at any time even many years after your transplant surgery.
Cornea transplant surgery offers many advantages for people who are struggling with corneal issues, such as:
- Improved vision: After cornea transplant, a person’s vision can significantly improve and become clearer, thus leading to better overall quality of life.
- Symptom relief: This surgery can help get rid of aggravating symptoms like blurry vision, eye pain, and sensitivity to light.
- Better quality of life: By restoring vision, cornea transplant surgery can improve a person’s daily functioning and boost his/her confidence.
- High success rate: With proper post-operative care and regular follow-up appointments with your ophthalmologist, cornea transplant surgery has a strong track record of success, delivering lasting improvements in both vision and corneal function.
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Not everyone can undergo cornea transplant surgery. Whether you’re eligible or not depends on various factors such as the severity of your eye condition, your overall health, and the potential risks involved. Generally, to be considered for cornea transplant surgery, you should have a corneal condition that cannot be effectively treated with other methods. Additionally, you should be in good overall health with no conditions that might interfere with the healing process.
It’s also crucial to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery and be willing to follow post-operative care instructions. Before undergoing cornea transplant surgery, you will need to undergo a thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist or cornea specialist.
There are different types of corneal transplant procedures, each suited to specific conditions:
- Penetrating keratoplasty: This is the most common type of cornea transplant surgery. It involves replacing the entire cornea with a donor cornea.
- Endothelial keratoplasty: This procedure is used to treat conditions affecting the innermost layer of the cornea. It involves replacing only the damaged endothelial cells with a donor cornea.
- Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty: This procedure is used to treat conditions that primarily affect the outer layers of the cornea. It involves replacing the outer layers of the cornea with a donor cornea while preserving the innermost layer.
The choice of procedure depends on factors such as the specific eye condition and the extent of corneal damage. Your surgeon will recommend the most suitable procedure for you based on your individual needs.
