Cornea transplant surgery, also known as keratoplasty, is a procedure to replace a damaged or diseased cornea with a healthy donor cornea. Here is an overview of what you need to know about cornea transplants:
What is the Cornea and What Does it Do?
The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. It is a key component of focusing vision and protecting the rest of the eye. The cornea allows light to enter the eye so you can see.
Why Might Someone Need a Cornea Transplant?
There are several conditions that can damage the cornea and require a transplant:
- Keratoconus – the cornea becomes thin and changes to a cone-like shape, distorting vision
- Fuchs’ dystrophy – cells on the innermost corneal layer (endothelium) gradually deteriorate
- Infections – untreatable infections that scar the cornea
- Complications from cataract surgery or other eye surgery
- Severe injuries to the eye
Some less common reasons for needing a new cornea include an inherited dystrophy and swelling of the cornea.
How is Cornea Transplant Surgery Performed?
During the procedure, the surgeon will remove the central part of the diseased cornea and replace it with a similarly sized and shaped donor cornea. The donor tissue is attached with extremely fine sutures.
There are different techniques for cornea transplants based on how much of the recipient’s cornea is removed:
- Penetrating keratoplasty – the entire cornea is replaced
- Lamellar keratoplasty – only diseased layers are removed and replaced
- Endothelial keratoplasty – replaces the inside layer of the cornea
- Limbal stem cell transplant – replaces stem cells if the cornea has been severely damaged
Surgery may be performed under local or general anesthesia and takes 1-3 hours.
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Recovering from Cornea Transplant Surgery
The recovery period after cornea transplant surgery is crucial. Ophthalmologists monitor progress closely for signs of rejection or infection.
Typical recovery includes:
- Wearing an eye patch for 24 hours after surgery
- Using antibiotic and steroid eye drops for months to reduce risk of infection and rejection
- Avoiding rubbing or bumping the eye while it heals
- Wearing sunglasses to protect eyes outdoors
- Keeping follow-up appointments so the doctor can check for signs of rejection
With proper care after surgery, the transplanted cornea can restore vision and last for many years. Most patients see improved vision within the first year.
Risks and Complications
While cornea transplants have a high success rate, some potential risks include:
- Rejection – the recipient’s immune system attacks the donated cornea
- Infection – signs may include pain, redness, discharge
- Glaucoma – pressure inside the eye increases
- Retinal detachment – the retina pulls away from tissue around it
- Astigmatism – irregularly shaped cornea leading to blurred vision
Patients should follow all post-op care instructions closely to prevent complications. Ophthalmologists may prescribe steroid treatments to reduce the chances of rejection.
When to Consider a Cornea Transplant
If diseases, infections or injuries have left you with severely impaired vision or recurrent pain in the eye, it may be time to explore cornea transplant surgery. Your ophthalmologist can best assess if you are a candidate for this vision restoring procedure
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