Our Summary

This study aimed to evaluate the initial awareness of medical students about corneal transplants, provide them with training, and then see how their knowledge changed. The research involved 310 medical students from Ege University who took a survey of 20 questions before and after receiving training from a corneal transplant specialist.

Before the training, only 25.5% of the students said they knew about corneal transplants, with first-year students knowing less than fifth and sixth-year students. After the training, all students, regardless of their initial knowledge or year of study, had significantly improved test scores.

The study concluded that doctors’ attitudes and knowledge about organ transplants play a crucial role in raising public interest in organ donation. It also found that education about corneal transplants can significantly improve knowledge, regardless of the student’s year of study.

FAQs

  1. What was the aim of the study regarding corneal transplants?
  2. How did the training affect the medical students’ knowledge about corneal transplants?
  3. What conclusions did the study make about the importance of doctors’ knowledge and attitudes towards organ transplants?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about corneal transplant is to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by the medical team. This includes taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding activities that could potentially harm the eye during the healing process. By following these instructions, patients can help ensure the success of their corneal transplant and maintain good vision in the long term.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for corneal transplants are those who have corneal diseases or conditions that cannot be treated effectively with other methods such as medications, glasses, or contact lenses. Some common reasons for corneal transplants include:

  1. Corneal scarring from infections, injuries, or previous surgeries
  2. Keratoconus, a progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea
  3. Fuchs’ dystrophy, a genetic disorder that causes the cornea to become swollen
  4. Corneal degeneration or thinning
  5. Corneal ulcers that do not heal with medication
  6. Corneal swelling or edema

Patients who have significant vision loss or discomfort due to these conditions may be recommended for a corneal transplant to restore their vision and improve their quality of life. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist to determine if they are suitable candidates for a corneal transplant.

Timeline

Before corneal transplant:

  1. Patient experiences vision loss or impairment that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
  2. Patient undergoes a comprehensive eye examination to determine if a corneal transplant is necessary.
  3. Patient is placed on a waiting list for a donor cornea.
  4. Patient receives pre-operative evaluations and instructions from their ophthalmologist.
  5. Patient undergoes corneal transplant surgery, which typically takes around one to two hours.
  6. Patient is monitored closely in the days and weeks following surgery for any signs of complications.

After corneal transplant:

  1. Patient experiences improved vision as the new cornea begins to heal and integrate into the eye.
  2. Patient may need to use eye drops and follow a strict post-operative care regimen to prevent infection and promote healing.
  3. Patient attends follow-up appointments with their ophthalmologist to monitor the progress of the transplant and check for any signs of rejection.
  4. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and may need to adjust to any changes in vision or depth perception.
  5. Patient may need to undergo additional procedures or treatments in the future to maintain the health of the transplanted cornea.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about corneal transplant include:

  1. What is a corneal transplant and why would I need one?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with a corneal transplant?
  3. How successful are corneal transplants in improving vision?
  4. What is the recovery process like after a corneal transplant?
  5. How long will it take for my vision to improve after the surgery?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes I need to make after a corneal transplant?
  7. Will I need to take any medications after the surgery?
  8. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery?
  9. Are there any activities I should avoid after a corneal transplant?
  10. What are the chances of rejection of the transplanted cornea and how can I prevent it?

Reference

Authors: Kaplan A, Ayas A, Bilen A, Colak A, Köse T, Selver OB. Journal: Int Ophthalmol. 2025 Feb 7;45(1):62. doi: 10.1007/s10792-025-03424-6. PMID: 39920389