Corneal transplant surgery is a medical procedure used to restore the vision of individuals with
keratoconus or other corneal diseases that have caused significant damage to the cornea. The cornea is the dome-like structure at the front of the eye that works to focus light on the retina. When it is misshapen or scarred, patients can suffer from significant vision difficulties. The corneal transplantation procedure uses donor tissue to replace the damaged
cornea and restore the patient’s sight and quality of life.
Corneal Transplant Types
Several different methods can be used to perform the corneal transplantation procedure. The choice of method is made based on the type and severity of damage the patient’s cornea has suffered. Here’s a closer look at different types of corneal transplants:
- Penetrating Keratoplasty – This procedure is also called a full thickness corneal transplant, meaning all layers of the cornea are replaced with a new donor cornea. It is mainly for those with significant bulging and scarring and is associated with the longest recovery time.
- Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty – Sometimes called a partial thickness corneal transplant, this process only removes and replaces the outside and middle layers of the cornea. Because it does not go as deep into the eye, it has a lower risk of complications and faster healing.
- Endothelial Keratoplasty – There are two variations of endothelial keratoplasty: Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty and Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty. These surgeries target very thin, specific layers within the cornea, either the endothelium, Descemet’s membrane and stroma, or just the endothelium and Descemet’s membrane.
The Corneal Transplant Procedure
An ophthalmologist from Sight360 will conduct an
eye exam and discuss your condition at length to ensure this is the best choice for you. Then, the surgery will be scheduled according to the availability of a donor cornea.
Corneal transplantation is an outpatient procedure and is usually done under local anesthesia. This means you won’t feel any pain during the surgery, and you should be able to return home shortly after. The surgeon will put eye drops into your eyes and then insert a device to keep your eyes open. Next, they will commence the insertion of the donor tissue. Depending on the corneal transplant type chosen, the operation should take an hour or two.
Following the procedure, you will wear an eyepatch or shield over your eye to keep it protected. The ophthalmologist will give you detailed instructions about how to care for your eye during the days and weeks ahead and will also schedule follow-up appointments with you.
Corneal Transplant Recovery and Risks
During the recovery, you may experience a bit of pain and discomfort as your eye adjusts to the new cornea. Blurry vision is a common symptom that arises as part of the healing process. Most patients can return to their daily activities as usual following the first month. However, full recovery of vision may require between a few months and a year, depending on the type of transplant procedure used.
There are a few risks associated with the procedure, including infection and corneal transplant rejection, however, the success rate of corneal transplantation is very high.
Contact Sight360 to Learn More About Corneal Transplantation for Keratoconus
Are you wondering whether corneal transplant surgery could be the right treatment for you? Learning more is as simple as
scheduling an eye exam with Sight360. Contact us today to explore your treatment options with an experienced professional who is ready to answer all of your questions.
