Corneal Transplant
Corneal transplant is done to replace the diseased Cornea of the eye to give the patient better vision. The Cornea develops multiple diseases like infections, Keratoconus, injuries, and weakness resulting from hereditary conditions. When these conditions happen, the clarity of the Cornea decreases. As the clarity of the cornea decrease, the vision of the patients also decreases.
Sometimes, the corneal curvature becomes irregular, leading to hazy or blurred vision and eventually affecting the vision entirely in the impacted eye. In such circumstances, we do corneal transplants to save the patient’s vision. The Cornea has five layers, from the epithelium to the endothelium.
Sometimes, the corneal curvature becomes irregular, leading to hazy or blurred vision and eventually affecting the vision entirely in the impacted eye. In such circumstances, we do corneal transplants to save the patient’s vision. The Cornea has five layers, from the epithelium to the endothelium.
So, What Is A Cornea Transplant?
When someone develops a problem, we can identify which of the five layers the patient has trouble with using the latest technology like the Anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Accordingly, we perform targeted treatment of just the epithelium, the Bowman sphere, the first and the second layers, or the stromal layer, which is the major thickness of the Cornea or the Descemet.
The front half of the Cornea can be modified by using an excimer laser to benefit vision. Suppose it involves the stroma due to infection or Keratoconus or dystrophy, we transplant just the front three layers of the Cornea, leaving the back layers intact. This gives the patient excellent vision and lifelong validity for the Cornea that was transplanted.
When the patient has a problem in the fourth or the fifth layers of the Cornea, we can go through a small hole and then remove those layers of the Cornea and replace it with the donor cornea. This kind of surgery is called BSEC Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty or DMEK. Using these methods, we can restore excellent vision to our patients.
The front half of the Cornea can be modified by using an excimer laser to benefit vision. Suppose it involves the stroma due to infection or Keratoconus or dystrophy, we transplant just the front three layers of the Cornea, leaving the back layers intact. This gives the patient excellent vision and lifelong validity for the Cornea that was transplanted.
When the patient has a problem in the fourth or the fifth layers of the Cornea, we can go through a small hole and then remove those layers of the Cornea and replace it with the donor cornea. This kind of surgery is called BSEC Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty or DMEK. Using these methods, we can restore excellent vision to our patients.
Corneal transplants are performed to improve vision in patients with corneal scars, edema, dystrophies, or other conditions that cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or other treatments.
- Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK
- Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK)
- Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK)
- Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK)
Recovery after a corneal transplant can vary depending on the type of procedure performed and the individual patient’s healing process.
Corneal transplants are generally successful, with high rates of graft survival and significant improvement in vision for many patients. The success rate can vary depending on several factors, including the type of corneal transplant performed, the underlying condition being treated, the patient’s overall health, and the quality of the donor tissue.
Follow Post-Operative Instructions
- Use Prescribed Eye Drops
- Protect Your Eye
- Avoid Strenuous Activities
- Monitor Your Vision
Yes, it is possible for your body to reject the donor cornea after a corneal transplant. Corneal transplant rejection is a reaction by your immune system to the foreign tissue. While the cornea has a relatively low risk of rejection compared to other transplanted organs, the risk is not zero.
Donor corneas for transplants come from individuals who have passed away and whose families have given consent for their loved one’s corneas to be used for transplantation
Corneal transplant surgery can be a life changing procedure for individuals with corneal damage or disease, offering the potential for restored vision and improved quality of life.It is a testament to the generosity of donors and the expertise of medical professionals in the field of ophthalmology.
We are a recognized facility for transplantation in Chennai, catering to Indian patients and many patients from across the globe.
We are a recognized facility for transplantation in Chennai, catering to Indian patients and many patients from across the globe.