Our Summary

In simple terms, this research report provides an overview of the patterns of corneal transplant surgeries in Europe, based on data collected from corneal clinics in 10 European countries, the UK, and Switzerland.

A corneal transplant is a surgical procedure where a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced by donated corneal tissue. The report identified a total of 12,913 corneal transplants in these regions.

The main findings included:

  • Most countries were able to meet their own needs for donor tissue.
  • The most common reason for needing a corneal transplant was a condition called Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (41% of cases), followed by regraft (16%), pseudophakic bullous keratopathy and keratoconus (both 12%).
  • The most frequently used surgical technique was Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK), followed by penetrating keratoplasty and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty.
  • The main goal of performing a corneal transplant was to improve the patient’s vision (90% of cases).

The report also noted that the surgical technique and the reason for the transplant differed depending on the specific condition that led to the need for the transplant.

FAQs

  1. What is a corneal transplant and how many were recorded in the report?
  2. What were the main findings of the report on corneal transplant surgeries in Europe?
  3. Does the surgical technique for a corneal transplant differ based on the specific condition that led to the need for the transplant?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about corneal transplant is to follow all post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and the best possible outcome. This may include using prescribed eye drops, avoiding rubbing the eyes, wearing protective eyewear, and attending follow-up appointments with the surgeon. It is also important to report any unusual symptoms or changes in vision to the doctor immediately.

Suitable For

Overall, patients who are typically recommended for a corneal transplant are those who have a damaged or diseased cornea that cannot be treated effectively with other methods such as medication or contact lenses. Common reasons for needing a corneal transplant include Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, regraft, pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, and keratoconus. The main goal of the transplant is to improve the patient’s vision and quality of life.

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist to determine if they are a suitable candidate for a corneal transplant. Factors such as overall health, eye health, and the specific condition affecting the cornea will be taken into consideration when determining if a patient is a good candidate for the procedure.

Timeline

Before the corneal transplant:

  • Patient experiences vision problems, such as blurry vision, glare, or difficulty seeing at night.
  • Patient consults with an ophthalmologist who determines that a corneal transplant is necessary.
  • Patient is placed on a waiting list for a donor cornea.
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to assess their overall eye health and suitability for surgery.

After the corneal transplant:

  • Patient undergoes the corneal transplant surgery, which typically takes a few hours and is performed under local or general anesthesia.
  • Patient is monitored closely post-operatively for any complications or signs of rejection.
  • Patient may experience discomfort, blurry vision, and light sensitivity in the days following the surgery.
  • Patient is prescribed eye drops and medications to prevent infection and aid in healing.
  • Patient attends follow-up appointments with their ophthalmologist to monitor their progress and adjust medications as needed.
  • Over time, the patient’s vision gradually improves as the transplanted cornea heals and integrates into the eye.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is the reason for needing a corneal transplant in my case?
  2. What are the different surgical techniques available for corneal transplant and which one would be most suitable for me?
  3. What are the risks and complications associated with corneal transplant surgery?
  4. What is the expected outcome of the corneal transplant in terms of improving my vision?
  5. How long is the recovery process after corneal transplant surgery and what can I expect in terms of post-operative care?
  6. What is the success rate of corneal transplant surgery for my specific condition?
  7. How often will I need to follow-up with my doctor after the surgery?
  8. Are there any restrictions or limitations I should be aware of after the corneal transplant surgery?
  9. What is the availability of donor tissue for the corneal transplant and what is the process for obtaining it?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or options available for my condition besides corneal transplant surgery?

Reference

Authors: Dunker SL, Armitage WJ, Armitage M, Brocato L, Figueiredo FC, Heemskerk MBA, Hjortdal J, Jones GLA, Konijn C, Nuijts RMMA, Lundström M, Dickman MM. Journal: J Cataract Refract Surg. 2021 Jul 1;47(7):865-869. doi: 10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000000574. PMID: 33577274