Our Summary

The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye. Losing vision due to diseases in the cornea is one of the main causes of blindness. There are treatments available where the cornea can be replaced with a donated one. The success rates of these treatments are generally quite good and depend on the reason for the treatment and the technique used. Cornea transplant surgeries have been around for over a century, but in the past 20 years, there have been significant advancements. Nowadays, it’s possible to only replace the damaged part of the cornea. In addition to using donated corneas, there are also artificial options available. Researchers are constantly working to develop and improve these artificial solutions for patients who need cornea transplants.

FAQs

  1. What is a corneal transplant and why might someone need one?
  2. What are the success rates of corneal transplant surgeries?
  3. Are there artificial options available for corneal transplants?

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, avoiding rubbing or putting pressure on the eye, wearing an eye shield while sleeping, and attending all follow-up appointments with the doctor. By following these instructions, the patient can help ensure the success of the transplant and optimize their vision recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended corneal transplant surgery include those with the following conditions:

  1. Keratoconus: A progressive eye disease in which the cornea thins and bulges outward, causing distorted vision.

  2. Fuchs’ Dystrophy: A condition in which the inner layer of the cornea becomes swollen and cloudy, leading to vision problems.

  3. Corneal scarring: Scarring can occur due to infections, injuries, or previous surgeries, leading to vision impairment.

  4. Corneal ulcers: Infections or injuries can cause ulcers on the cornea, which may require a transplant for proper healing.

  5. Corneal edema: Swelling of the cornea due to various conditions, such as glaucoma or previous eye surgeries, may require a transplant for improved vision.

  6. Corneal degeneration: Degenerative conditions, such as lattice dystrophy or map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy, can cause vision problems that may be improved with a transplant.

  7. Traumatic injuries: Severe injuries to the cornea, such as chemical burns or penetrating wounds, may require a transplant for proper healing and restoration of vision.

Overall, patients who experience significant vision loss or discomfort due to corneal diseases or injuries may be recommended for corneal transplant surgery to improve their vision and quality of life.

Timeline

Before corneal transplant:

  1. Diagnosis: The patient will experience symptoms such as blurry vision, pain, sensitivity to light, or difficulty seeing at night. After a thorough eye examination, a doctor may diagnose the patient with a corneal disease or condition that requires a transplant.

  2. Evaluation: The patient will undergo a series of tests to determine if they are a suitable candidate for a corneal transplant. This may include measuring the shape and thickness of the cornea, evaluating the health of the eye, and assessing the overall health of the patient.

  3. Waiting for a donor: Once it is determined that a corneal transplant is necessary, the patient will be placed on a waiting list to receive a donor cornea. The wait time can vary depending on availability and matching criteria.

After corneal transplant:

  1. Surgery: The patient will undergo a corneal transplant surgery, which is typically performed under local anesthesia. During the surgery, the damaged or diseased part of the cornea is removed and replaced with a donor cornea or artificial implant.

  2. Recovery: After the surgery, the patient will need to follow post-operative care instructions provided by their doctor. This may include using eye drops, wearing an eye patch, and avoiding strenuous activities. The patient will have regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing and vision improvement.

  3. Rehabilitation: In the months following the surgery, the patient may experience fluctuations in vision as the eye heals. Vision may continue to improve gradually over time, and the patient may require glasses or contact lenses to achieve optimal vision.

  4. Long-term care: The patient will need to continue regular eye exams to monitor the health of the transplanted cornea and ensure that any potential complications are addressed promptly. With proper care and follow-up, the patient can expect 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:

  1. What is the reason for recommending a corneal transplant?
  2. What are the different types of corneal transplant procedures available?
  3. What is the success rate of the recommended procedure?
  4. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  5. What is the recovery process like after a corneal transplant?
  6. How long will it take for my vision to improve after the surgery?
  7. Will I need to take any medications or follow a specific post-operative care regimen?
  8. Are there any restrictions or limitations I should be aware of after the surgery?
  9. How often will I need follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  10. What are the alternatives to corneal transplant surgery, and why is this the recommended treatment for me?

Reference

Authors: Chorny A, Knyazer B. Journal: Harefuah. 2022 Jun;161(6):404-410. PMID: 35734800