Corneal Transplant
The cornea, the transparent front window of the eye, plays a crucial role in focusing light, enabling clear vision. Composed of multiple layers of cells working in harmony, a healthy cornea ensures optimal vision by protecting the eye and maintaining clarity. However, if the cornea becomes scarred, swollen, or damaged, it disrupts light focus, resulting in blurred vision or glare.
Understanding Corneal Transplantation
When a cornea cannot heal or be repaired, a corneal transplant might be necessary. This procedure involves replacing the diseased cornea with a clear, healthy one from a human donor. Donors generously offer their corneas posthumously, and all donations undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety and suitability.
Types of Corneal Transplants
Corneal transplants vary depending on the specific layers needing replacement:
Full Thickness Corneal Transplant (Penetrating Keratoplasty – PK)
For extensive damage affecting both the front and inner corneal layers, a PK is performed, replacing the entire cornea. This procedure has a longer recovery period, potentially taking a year or more for complete vision restoration, and carries a higher rejection risk compared to partial transplants.
Endothelial Keratoplasty
For conditions affecting the innermost corneal layer, endothelial keratoplasty replaces this layer with healthy donor tissue. Types of this partial transplant include:
- DSEK/DSAEK (Descemet’s Stripping (Automated) Endothelial Keratoplasty): Easier to position due to thicker donor tissue.
- DMEK (Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty): Involves thinner donor tissue, leading to quicker recovery despite transplantation challenges.
Your eye surgeon will determine the best type of surgery based on the specific condition of your cornea.
Preparing for Corneal Transplant Surgery
Before Surgery:
- Detailed discussions with your ophthalmologist about the need, benefits, and expectations of the surgery.
- Scheduling and potential rescheduling based on donor cornea availability.
- Medication review and possible adjustments, including stopping blood thinners.
- Physical examination to confirm surgical fitness.
- Arranging transportation post-surgery as driving will not be possible.
Day of Surgery:
- Administering eye drops and relaxation medication.
- Use of local or general anesthesia.
- Procedure specifics tailored to the type of transplant needed.
- Post-surgery eye protection and monitoring.
Post-Surgery Care and Recovery
Immediate Care:
- Follow-up the next day for an eye check.
- Stitches may need removal depending on healing progress.
- Strict adherence to prescribed eye drops.
- Avoid pressing or rubbing the eye.
- Use protective eyeglasses or shields.
- Guidance on resuming daily activities.
Recovery:
- Full recovery may take a year or longer, based on the type of transplant and healing process.
- Alert your ophthalmologist to any signs of rejection, such as eye pain, light sensitivity, redness, or cloudy vision, to enable prompt intervention.
Potential Complications and Considerations
While corneal transplants generally have positive outcomes, potential complications include organ rejection, infection, bleeding, detached retina, and glaucoma. Other pre-existing eye conditions, such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy, can also affect vision quality post-transplant.
For individuals experiencing significant corneal damage, a corneal transplant offers the chance for restored clear vision. At Mid Florida Eye Center, our specialists are dedicated to providing the best surgical options and post-operative care to help you achieve optimal visual outcomes.
