Our Summary

This research paper looks at the history of corneal transplants in Brazil over a 15-year period, from 2002 to 2016. It found that the number of these transplants has increased significantly over this time - by almost 300%. The number of corneal transplants per million people has also gone up, and the teams performing these transplants have become more productive.

Furthermore, the study found that the Brazilian healthcare system has become better at meeting the demand for these transplants - the percentage of demand met each year has gone up from about 18% to 57% in the time frame studied. The number of potential and effective donors has also increased, while the number of people waiting for a transplant has gone down.

However, despite these improvements, the study concludes that there are still not enough corneal transplants being done to meet the demand of the population. Therefore, the researchers suggest that Brazil needs to implement better public policies to increase the number of corneal transplants, reduce disparities in access to this procedure, and shorten the waiting lists for it.

FAQs

  1. How has the number of corneal transplants in Brazil changed from 2002 to 2016?
  2. What improvements have been noted in the Brazilian healthcare system’s ability to meet the demand for corneal transplants?
  3. What do the researchers suggest Brazil needs to do to meet the demand for corneal transplants in the future?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing a corneal transplant to follow their post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome. This may include using prescribed eye drops, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments to monitor healing and prevent complications. Additionally, they may advise the patient to protect their eyes from injury and UV exposure to promote long-term success of the transplant.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for corneal transplant surgery include those with:

  • Corneal scarring or cloudiness
  • Keratoconus (a progressive thinning of the cornea)
  • Corneal dystrophies
  • Corneal ulcers that do not respond to medication
  • Corneal swelling (edema)
  • Corneal infections
  • Corneal injuries or trauma
  • Complications from previous eye surgeries
  • Rejection of a previous corneal transplant

These conditions can cause significant vision impairment or loss, and a corneal transplant may be recommended to improve vision and quality of life. A thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist is typically required to determine if a patient is a suitable candidate for a corneal transplant.

Timeline

Before a corneal transplant, a patient typically experiences symptoms such as blurry vision, sensitivity to light, eye pain, and difficulty seeing at night. They may have been diagnosed with conditions such as keratoconus, corneal scarring, or Fuchs’ dystrophy that require a corneal transplant to restore vision.

After the transplant, the patient will undergo a period of recovery and follow-up care. This includes taking medications to prevent infection and rejection of the donor cornea, attending regular check-ups with their eye doctor, and following specific instructions for post-operative care such as avoiding rubbing their eyes and wearing protective eyewear.

Over time, the patient’s vision should gradually improve as the new cornea heals and adjusts to their eye. They may need to have their prescription adjusted with glasses or contact lenses to achieve the best possible vision outcomes. In some cases, additional surgeries or treatments may be necessary to address any complications or issues that arise after the transplant.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of corneal transplants?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure?
  3. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Will I need to take any medications post-transplant and for how long?
  5. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery?
  6. Are there any specific lifestyle changes I need to make after the transplant?
  7. What are the alternative treatment options to corneal transplant?
  8. How long do corneal transplants typically last?
  9. Will I need to undergo any additional procedures in the future?
  10. What is the cost of the procedure and will my insurance cover it?

Reference

Authors: Almeida HG, Kara-José N, Hida RY, Kara-Junior N. Journal: Eye Contact Lens. 2018 Nov;44 Suppl 2:S376-S381. doi: 10.1097/ICL.0000000000000554. PMID: 30256231