This is a surgical procedure used to replace a portion of a diseased or damaged cornea with a healthy one. The cornea is the clear, outer surface on the front of the eye. The surgery is done by an ophthalmologist, a doctor who specializes in treating eye problems.
A corneal transplant can correct vision problems caused by infections, injuries, or medical conditions. It is often recommended for the following:
Most people who undergo a corneal transplant enjoy improved vision for many years, or even a lifetime. It can take up to a year for vision to stabilize after surgery. Most people still need to wear glasses or contacts.
The procedure is highly successful. Severe complications are rare. If you are planning to have a corneal transplant, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
The operation is most successful for patients who have the following:
It is less successful for those who have corneal infection and severe injury, like a chemical burn.
Your ophthalmologist may do the following:
Before the procedure:
Two types of anesthesia can be used during a corneal transplant:
The procedure will be done under a surgical microscope. The damaged part of the cornea will be cut out. The new cornea will then be placed in the opening. The new cornea will be fastened with very fine stitches. Finally, a patch and shield will be put over the eye.
There is a newer technique, called Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK). DSEK is used for some types of cornea transplants. It may result in shorter recovery time and better vision. With this technique, the doctor removes a much smaller part of the cornea, compared with older procedures. DSEK is not widely available yet in the US, but it is becoming more popular.
1-2 hours
Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. You may have slight soreness for a few days after the procedure. Ask your doctor about medicine to help with the pain.
You will most likely go home after a few hours in the recovery area.
After you leave the hospital, you should rest for the remainder of the day. When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
Your eye will be checked several times during the following weeks and months. Stitches are usually left in place for at least several months.
After you leave the hospital, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, CALL 911.
RESOURCES:
Eye Bank Association of America
http://www.restoresight.org/
The National Keratoconus Foundation
http://www.nkcf.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Canadian National Institute for the Blind
http://www.cnib.ca/en/Default.aspx/
Canadian Ophthalmological Society
http://www.eyesite.ca/
References:
Cornea transplant: transplant surgery—what to expect. National Keratoconus Foundation website. Available at: http://www.nkcf.org/transplant.html. Accessed September 7, 2005.
Corneal surgery. The University of Mississippi Medical Center Department of Ophthalmology Services website. Available at: http://ophthalmology.umc.edu/cornea.html. Accessed September 8, 2005.
Corneal transplantation. Cole Eye Institute website. Available at: http://www.clevelandclinic.org/eye/patient_info/corneal_trans.asp. Accessed September 1, 2005.
Facts about the cornea and corneal disease. The National Eye Institute at the National Institutes of Health website. Available at: http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cornealdisease/index.asp#4. Accessed September 7, 2005.
Frequently asked questions. Eye Bank Association of America website. Available at: http://www.restoresight.org/general/faqs.htm#1. Accessed September 8, 2005.
Medical encyclopedia: corneal transplant. National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health Medline Plus website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003008.htm. Accessed September 1, 2005.
New advance in cornea transplantation. Duke Health website. Available at: http://www.dukehealth.org/HealthLibrary/News/9628. Updated April 21, 2006. Accessed November 6, 2009.
Partial-thickness cornea transplant (DSAEK). Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.org/cornea-transplant/partial-thickness-cornea-transplant.html. Accessed November 6, 2009.
Retinal detachment. SUNY State College of Optometry website. Available at: http://www.sunyopt.edu/uoc/ret_detach.shtml. Accessed September 8, 2005.
Sutphin J. Eye donor awareness: frequently asked questions. University of Iowa’s Virtual Hospital website. Available at: http://www.vh.org/adult/patient/ophthalmology/faq/eyedonor.html. Accessed September 7, 2005.
What happens during corneal transplant surgery? Wills Eye Hospital website. Available at: http://www.willseye.org/patients/topics/cornea/faq/. Accessed September 8, 2005.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Eric L. Berman, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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