Our Summary

This research paper aimed to find out if corneas taken from people who died from septicemia (a severe infection that spreads through the bloodstream) can be used for corneal transplants. They compared results from 11 corneas taken from septicemic patients with 10 corneas from patients who died from other causes. They tested the corneas for the presence of bacteria and fungi, and compared these results with the bacteria found in the blood of the deceased donors. They found that the bacteria causing the septicemia were not necessarily present in the corneal tissues. Thus, it suggests that these corneas might be safe for transplantation.

FAQs

  1. What was the main objective of this research study on corneal transplants?
  2. What were the findings of the research on using corneas from septicemic patients for corneal transplants?
  3. Did the research find any presence of bacteria or fungi in the corneas taken from septicemic patients?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing a corneal transplant to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully to reduce the risk of infection or rejection of the transplanted cornea. This includes using prescribed eye drops, avoiding rubbing or touching the eyes, and attending all follow-up appointments. It is also important to report any changes in vision or discomfort to the doctor immediately.

Suitable For

Corneal transplants are typically recommended for patients with the following conditions:

  1. Keratoconus: a progressive thinning of the cornea that causes it to bulge outward, leading to distorted vision.

  2. Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy: a condition in which the endothelial cells on the inner layer of the cornea gradually deteriorate, leading to swelling and cloudiness of the cornea.

  3. Corneal scarring: caused by injury, infection, or previous eye surgery, resulting in reduced vision.

  4. Corneal ulcers: open sores on the cornea caused by infection or injury.

  5. Corneal dystrophies: inherited conditions that cause abnormal deposits of material in the cornea, leading to vision problems.

  6. Corneal swelling (edema): caused by dysfunction of the corneal endothelium, leading to blurred vision.

  7. Previous corneal transplant rejection: when a previous corneal transplant is rejected by the body’s immune system.

Patients with these conditions may benefit from a corneal transplant to improve their vision and quality of life.

Timeline

Before corneal transplant:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a condition such as keratoconus, corneal scarring, or corneal dystrophy that requires a corneal transplant.
  2. Patient undergoes a series of eye exams and tests to determine the severity of their condition and suitability for a transplant.
  3. Patient is placed on a waiting list for a donor cornea.
  4. Once a donor cornea becomes available, the transplant surgery is scheduled.

After corneal transplant:

  1. Patient undergoes the corneal transplant surgery, where the damaged or diseased cornea is replaced with the donor cornea.
  2. Patient is monitored closely in the immediate post-operative period for signs of infection, rejection, or other complications.
  3. Patient may experience temporary discomfort, blurred vision, and light sensitivity following the surgery.
  4. Patient is prescribed medications to prevent infection and rejection of the donor cornea.
  5. Over time, the patient’s vision gradually improves as the new cornea heals and integrates into the eye.
  6. Patient continues to have regular follow-up appointments with their ophthalmologist to monitor the health of the transplanted cornea and adjust medications as needed.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Can you explain the potential risks and benefits of a corneal transplant using a cornea from a donor who died from septicemia?

  2. How does the presence of bacteria or fungi in the corneal tissue affect the success of the transplant?

  3. What precautions are taken to ensure the safety and viability of the donor cornea before transplantation?

  4. How does the presence of septicemia in the donor affect the likelihood of rejection or complications after the transplant?

  5. Are there any specific tests or screenings that can be done to ensure the safety of the donor cornea before proceeding with the transplant?

  6. What is the success rate of corneal transplants using donor corneas from individuals who died from septicemia compared to those from other causes?

  7. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions or medications that should be followed more closely in cases where the donor had septicemia?

  8. How soon after the transplant can I expect to see improvements in my vision, and what should I watch for in terms of complications or rejection?

  9. Are there any alternative treatment options or considerations that should be discussed before proceeding with a corneal transplant using a donor cornea from a septicemic patient?

  10. Can you provide any additional information or studies that support the safety and efficacy of using corneas from septicemic donors for transplantation?

Reference

Authors: Nagaraja H, Anandula V, Kugar T, Shivanna Y, Shetty R. Journal: Cornea. 2016 Aug;35(8):1132-5. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000000858. PMID: 27124780