Our Summary

This research paper is about a new approach to treating corneal blindness, a condition that many countries struggle to treat due to a lack of available transplants. The researchers explored the use of xenocorneal transplantation, which is when a cornea from one species (in this case, a pig) is transplanted into another species (here, a non-human primate). This approach often faces the problem of the recipient’s body rejecting the foreign cornea. However, the researchers used a method called ‘anterior lamellar keratoplasty’, which tends to cause less rejection. They created and described a pig-to-primate model of this transplantation method, which can be used to test the effectiveness of using corneas from genetically modified pigs for transplants.

FAQs

  1. What is xenocorneal transplantation and why is it considered as an alternative for corneal blindness treatment?
  2. What are the challenges associated with xenocorneal transplantation?
  3. How can genetically modified pig corneas be used in corneal transplantation?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise their patient about corneal transplant that it is important to closely follow post-operative care instructions, such as using prescribed eye drops and attending follow-up appointments. It is also important to protect the eye from injury and avoid activities that could put strain on the transplant. Additionally, the patient should be aware of the signs of rejection, such as increased redness, pain, or decreased vision, and contact their doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occur.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for corneal transplant include those with corneal scarring, corneal thinning, corneal dystrophies, corneal degenerations, corneal infections, corneal ulceration, and corneal endothelial dysfunction. Other factors that may indicate the need for corneal transplant include visual impairment, pain, discomfort, and difficulty wearing contact lenses. Patients with conditions such as keratoconus, Fuchs’ dystrophy, and trauma to the eye may also benefit from corneal transplant surgery.

Timeline

Before corneal transplant:

  • Patient experiences vision loss, blurry vision, pain, or other symptoms related to corneal disease.
  • Patient undergoes a comprehensive eye examination to determine the need for a corneal transplant.
  • Patient is placed on a waiting list for a donor cornea, which can take months to years to become available.
  • Patient may undergo pre-operative tests and evaluations to assess their overall health and suitability for surgery.

After corneal transplant:

  • Patient undergoes the corneal transplant surgery, which can be performed under local or general anesthesia.
  • Patient may experience some discomfort, redness, and sensitivity to light in the days following surgery.
  • Patient is prescribed eye drops and medications to prevent infection and promote healing.
  • Patient is advised to avoid strenuous activities and to follow post-operative care instructions to ensure successful healing.
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of the transplant and make any necessary adjustments to their treatment plan.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is a corneal transplant and why is it necessary in my case?
  2. What are the risks and benefits of a corneal transplant procedure?
  3. How long is the recovery period and what can I expect during the recovery process?
  4. Will I need to take any medications after the surgery, and if so, what are they and what are the potential side effects?
  5. How successful is corneal transplantation in general, and what is the success rate for my specific condition?
  6. Are there any alternative treatments to corneal transplantation that I should consider?
  7. What is the difference between a full corneal transplant and an anterior lamellar corneal transplant? Which type of transplant is recommended for my specific case?
  8. How long do corneal transplants typically last, and will I need additional surgeries in the future?
  9. How can I lower the risk of rejection of the transplanted cornea, and what signs should I watch for that may indicate rejection?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after the surgery to ensure the success of the transplant?

Reference

Authors: Vabres B, Vanhove B, Blancho G. Journal: Methods Mol Biol. 2020;2110:245-251. doi: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0255-3_16. PMID: 32002913