Our Summary
This research paper looks at the rates and causes of serious vision impairment and blindness caused by diseases of the cornea in 22 Asian countries. The researchers reviewed a lot of previous studies and national health records to get this information.
They found that about 0.4% of people in Asia have serious vision problems or blindness because of corneal diseases. The most common problems are infections, injuries, and a condition called pseudophakic bullous keratopathy that can happen after cataract surgery.
The study also looked at how often people get cornea transplants. They found that the types of cornea diseases people have vary depending on a country’s wealth. For example, pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, a complication from cataract surgery, is the most common reason for a cornea transplant in wealthier countries.
Despite this, a specific type of cornea transplant called endothelial keratoplasty is not the most common kind done in any Asian country. Only a few Asian countries do more cornea transplants than the global average.
In simple terms, the study shows that corneal diseases cause serious vision problems in about 0.4% of people in Asia. The type of corneal disease people have and the type of treatment they get varies depending on where they live and how wealthy their country is.
FAQs
- What percentage of people in Asia have serious vision problems or blindness due to corneal diseases?
- What are the most common causes of corneal diseases in Asia?
- Does the type of corneal disease and treatment vary based on a country’s wealth?
Doctor’s Tip
A doctor might tell a patient considering a corneal transplant that the success and availability of different types of transplants may vary depending on the country and the specific corneal disease they are dealing with. It is important to discuss with your doctor the best treatment options available for your specific condition and to consider seeking treatment in a country or region that specializes in the type of transplant that is most suitable for your needs. Additionally, following post-operative care instructions carefully and attending regular follow-up appointments are essential for the best possible outcome after a corneal transplant.
Suitable For
Patients who are typically recommended for a corneal transplant include those with severe corneal diseases such as infections, injuries, and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy. These patients may have significant vision impairment or blindness that cannot be corrected with other treatments. Additionally, patients who have undergone cataract surgery and develop complications such as pseudophakic bullous keratopathy may also be candidates for a corneal transplant. The decision to recommend a corneal transplant is based on the individual patient’s specific condition and the likelihood of improving their vision and overall quality of life.
Timeline
Before a corneal transplant, a patient may experience symptoms such as blurry vision, eye pain, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing at night. They may also have been diagnosed with a corneal disease such as keratoconus, Fuchs’ dystrophy, or corneal scarring from injury or infection.
Once a patient has been recommended for a corneal transplant, they will undergo a series of pre-operative tests and evaluations to determine their eligibility for surgery. This may include measurements of the cornea’s shape and thickness, assessment of overall eye health, and discussions with the ophthalmologist about the risks and benefits of the procedure.
After the corneal transplant surgery, which typically takes about 1-2 hours, the patient will need to follow a strict post-operative care regimen. This may include using eye drops to prevent infection and promote healing, wearing an eye patch or shield to protect the eye, and attending follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Over time, the patient’s vision should gradually improve as the new cornea heals and integrates into the eye. However, it may take several months to achieve optimal results, and some patients may require additional treatments or adjustments to their medication regimen to address any complications or issues that arise during the recovery process. With proper care and monitoring, most patients can expect to experience improved vision and quality of life following a successful corneal transplant.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about corneal transplant include:
- What specific corneal disease do I have that requires a transplant?
- What are the risks and benefits of a corneal transplant in my particular case?
- What is the success rate of corneal transplants for my specific condition?
- What is the recovery process like after a corneal transplant?
- How long will it take for my vision to improve after the transplant?
- Will I need to take any medications or follow a special regimen after the transplant?
- Are there any potential complications or side effects I should be aware of?
- How often will I need to follow up with you after the transplant?
- Are there any lifestyle changes I should make to ensure the success of the transplant?
- Are there any alternative treatments or options besides a corneal transplant that I should consider?
Reference
Authors: Tran TM, Duong H, Bonnet C, Kashanchi A, Buckshey A, Aldave AJ. Journal: Cornea. 2020 Sep;39(9):1196-1205. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000002374. PMID: 32501834