Treatment

Corneal Transplant

Overview

A corneal transplant also called keratoplasty is a surgical transplant of the cornea to restore vision in people with damaged or diseased corneas. The cornea is the clear, dome shaped surface at the front of the eye that helps focus light. When it becomes cloudy or scarred due to injury, infection or disease, a cornea transplant surgery can help improve vision or even restore it completely.

Why is Corneal Transplant Required?

Some common reasons include:

• Severe corneal infections that leave scars.
• Keratoconus is a condition that causes the cornea to become cone shaped.
• Corneal abrasions or injuries that do not heal properly.
• Fuchs’ dystrophy is a disease that causes corneal swelling.
• Previous eye surgeries that led to corneal failure.
• Inherited corneal diseases that affect vision.

Key Advantages of Corneal Transplant

• Helps restore vision in those with severe corneal damage.
• Reduces pain caused by corneal disease or injury.
• Improves the appearance of a cloudy or scarred cornea.
• High cornea transplant success rate makes it a reliable option.
• Provides an alternative when eyeball transplant is not possible.

How Should You Prepare Before Corneal Transplant Treatment?

• A complete eye examination will be done to check the overall health of your eye.
• Your doctor will discuss the cornea transplant cost, risks and expected outcomes.
• Stop taking certain medications, if advised by your doctor.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery.
• Follow all pre surgery instructions including fasting if required.

How is Corneal Transplant Performed?

The procedure gently removes the damaged cornea and replaces it with a healthy donor cornea restoring clarity and vision with precision.

• Anesthesia: Local or general anesthesia is used to numb the eye.
• Removing the damaged cornea: The surgeon carefully removes the diseased part.
• Placing the new cornea: The donor cornea is stitched into place.
• Closing the surgery: Fine stitches are used to secure the new cornea and a protective shield is placed over the eye.

What You Can Expect?

1. Before the Procedure:

• A thorough eye examination and medical history review.
• Doctor will determine if a partial cornea transplant or a full transplant is needed.
• Instructions about medications and fasting before the surgery.

2. During the Procedure:

• The surgery usually takes 1-2 hours.
• You may be awake with numbing eye drops or under general anesthesia.
• The damaged cornea is removed and replaced with a healthy one.

3. After the Procedure:

• Cornea transplant recovery can take several months to a year for full healing.
• Your doctor will prescribe eye drops and medications to prevent rejection and infection.
• Avoid rubbing the eye, heavy lifting or strenuous activities.
• Regular follow ups are necessary to monitor healing.

Risks and Potential Complications

While cornea transplant surgery is safe, risks include:

• Rejection: The immune system may attack the new cornea
• Infection: Proper eye care is needed to avoid this
• Swelling and irritation: Temporary discomfort is common
• Astigmatism: Uneven corneal shape after healing
• Vision issues: Some patients may need glasses or contacts after healing

Results/Outcomes

• Most patients regain vision within a few months.
• The success rate is high especially if post surgery care is followed.
• Some may need additional procedures like glasses, contacts or cornea replacement surgery in the future.