Corneal transplant surgery is the treatment that is used to help restore or prevent vision loss caused due to damage in the cornea. The cornea, situated at the front of the eye, is transparent and enables the entry and focusing of light. When the cornea is damaged, it can become cloudy or can change shape, leading to vision impairment or loss.
Corneal transplant surgery, also called keratoplasty, is a surgery that replaces a defectively working cornea with a new, well-functioning one from the cadaver donor. Optometrists and ophthalmologists in Modesto offer comprehensive eye exams to assess vision and overall eye health. If you are looking for a transplant consultant, consider visiting the Eye Center in Modesto, CA.
What are the indications that necessitate a cornea transplant?
In the case of minor cornea damage, you may not need to have a transplant surgery. Contact lenses or laser treatments could be used for the necessary injury. Your vision might be impaired if the reduction in clarity is significant in your cornea. Your doctor may have to address the root cause of the corneal damage; if the doctor finds your injury to be severe enough, you might require corneal transplantation to fix your sight. Here are some conditions that might need corneal transplantation:
- Corneal scarring
- Corneal swelling
- Complications from cataract or other eye surgery
- Corneal dystrophy
- Previous eye injury or trauma
- Keratitis
- Keratoconus
Types of cornea transplants?
Depending upon the location of the damage, advances in corneal transplantation allow the replacement of all parts of the cornea. The transplant treatment includes the following:
- Endothelial keratoplasty
In this process, the damaged inner layer of the cornea is replaced with the inner layer of a donor cornea.
- Anterior lamellar keratoplasty
In this process, the damaged outer layer of the cornea is replaced with the healthy outer layer of the donor cornea.
- Penetrating keratoplasty
This process involves the replacement of the whole cornea with the healthy donor cornea.
- Keratoprosthesis
This process involves the replacement of the full cornea with an artificial cornea.
Risks involved in corneal transplantation
Corneal transplantation is considered one of the most known effective tissue/ organ transplant treatments. While some complications may occur after the procedure, which includes:
- Retinal detachment
- Eye inflammation
- Cataracts
- Bleeding in the eye
- New cornea detachment
- Refractive errors requiring contact lenses or glasses
- Worsening or new onset of glaucoma
- Infection inside the eye or eye surface
- Cornea transplant rejection
What should you expect after the corneal transplant surgery?
The doctor will explain everything that you should expect after the surgery. One should properly follow the instructions given by the doctor for speedy recovery. You should immediately contact your doctor if any signs of complications are seen, such as:
- Redness
- Sensitivity
- Vision decrease
- Pain and discomfort