Corneal Transplantation
What is a corneal transplant?
The cornea
is normally a clear
layer of tissue covering the front of the eye, similar to a watch crystal.
Its purpose is to refract or bend light rays as they enter the eye, allowing
them to focus on the retina. In cases where the cornea has become
clouded as a result of disease, swelling, scarring, infection, or chemical
burns, a corneal transplant (also called keratoplasty) is sometimes necessary
to restore functional vision. For this procedure, the surgeon carefully
removes the central corneal tissue and replaces it with a precisely shaped
replica of donor tissue.
What are the chances of a
successful surgery?
The success rate of corneal
transplant is about 85%. However, factors such as glaucoma, retinal degeneration,
or optic nerve disease may affect the final visual result even if the surgery
is successful.
The procedure usually takes
approximately one hour and is performed with local anesthesia on an outpatient
basis. After the surgery, a plastic shield or glasses should be worn at
all times to avoid accidentally rubbing, bumping or hitting the eye. Drops
are prescribed to prevent rejection of the donor cornea.
During the postoperative period,
the surgeon monitors the cornea’s healing with special computer mapping
called corneal
topography. This allows the doctor to evaluate the shape of the new
cornea and remove sutures as needed to control astigmatism.
What type of vision can I
expect after surgery?
In most cases, vision
returns very gradually. The healing process may vary greatly from one
individual to the next. Some may enjoy improved vision within a few
months after surgery, for others, it may take up to a year.
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