Our Summary

In the past two decades, a lot of progress has been made in treating corneal diseases, particularly in the area of corneal transplants. Doctors are now able to target treatments specifically to the parts of the cornea that are affected, which has made these procedures less invasive and has allowed the cornea to heal quicker. While these new surgical methods have been successful, new therapies that involve regenerating cells are also being developed.

FAQs

  1. What advancements have been made in the treatment of corneal diseases over the past twenty years?
  2. How have corneal transplantation procedures become less invasive?
  3. What are the emerging regenerative therapies in the field of corneal transplantation?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about corneal transplant is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully. This may include using prescribed eye drops, wearing an eye shield at night, avoiding rubbing or touching the eye, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. By following these instructions, patients can help ensure a successful recovery and optimal outcome from the transplant surgery.

Suitable For

Some types of patients who are typically recommended for corneal transplant include those with:

  • Corneal scarring or opacity caused by infections, injuries, or previous surgeries
  • Keratoconus, a progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea
  • Fuchs’ dystrophy, a condition where cells in the inner layer of the cornea gradually deteriorate
  • Corneal degeneration or thinning due to aging or other factors
  • Corneal swelling or edema that does not respond to other treatments
  • Corneal ulcers that are not healing properly

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist to determine if they are suitable candidates for corneal transplant surgery. Additionally, patients should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the potential outcomes of the procedure.

Timeline

Before corneal transplant:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms of corneal disease such as blurred vision, pain, redness, and sensitivity to light.
  2. Patient undergoes a thorough eye examination and consultation with an ophthalmologist to determine the need for a corneal transplant.
  3. Patient is placed on a waiting list for a suitable donor cornea, which can take several months to years depending on availability.

After corneal transplant:

  1. Patient undergoes the corneal transplant surgery, which involves the removal of the damaged cornea and replacement with a healthy donor cornea.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort and blurred vision immediately after the surgery, but this typically improves within a few days.
  3. Patient is prescribed medications to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.
  4. Patient attends regular follow-up appointments with their ophthalmologist to monitor the healing process and ensure the success of the transplant.
  5. Over time, the patient’s vision gradually improves as the new cornea integrates with the surrounding tissue.
  6. Patient may need to undergo additional treatments or surgeries to address any complications or issues that may arise post-transplant.

Overall, the timeline of a corneal transplant can vary from patient to patient, but the goal is to ultimately restore vision and improve quality of life for individuals suffering from corneal disease.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of a corneal transplant surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a corneal transplant?
  3. How long is the recovery period after a corneal transplant surgery?
  4. Will I need to take any medications after the surgery, and if so, for how long?
  5. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make to improve the chances of a successful transplant?
  6. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments to a corneal transplant that I should consider?
  8. What is the long-term outlook for my vision after a corneal transplant?
  9. How soon can I expect to see improvements in my vision after the surgery?
  10. Are there any restrictions on activities or behaviors I should be aware of after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Kocaba V, van Dijk K, Melles GRJ. Journal: Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2022 Sep 13;166:D6723. PMID: 36300465