Our Summary

This study looked at how the COVID-19 pandemic affected corneal transplant surgeries at a major eye care center in Turkey. Researchers compared patient records from March 2020 to February 2021 (during the pandemic) to records from the previous year. They found that there was a huge drop in corneal transplants during the pandemic year, with an 80% decrease in surgeries compared to the year before. During the pandemic, most transplant surgeries were only done for urgent reasons. They also found that because of the pandemic, patients weren’t able to follow up with their doctors as regularly, which led to more complications after surgery. In fact, the rate of complications was four times higher during the pandemic than in the previous year. The researchers concluded that the increase in complications was likely due to patients not being able to see their doctors for follow-up care as often, which led to a delay in diagnosing problems with the transplant.

FAQs

  1. How did the COVID-19 pandemic impact the number of corneal transplant surgeries at the eye care center in Turkey?
  2. What was the reason for the increase in complications after corneal transplant surgeries during the pandemic?
  3. How significantly did the complication rate increase during the pandemic compared to the previous year?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing a corneal transplant to make sure to attend all follow-up appointments and contact their doctor immediately if they experience any unusual symptoms or changes in their vision. Regular follow-up care is crucial for monitoring the success of the transplant and detecting any potential issues early on to prevent complications. It is important to prioritize your eye health and not delay seeking medical attention if needed.

Suitable For

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

  1. Corneal scarring or opacities
  2. Keratoconus
  3. Fuch’s dystrophy
  4. Corneal edema
  5. Corneal infections or ulcers
  6. Corneal degeneration or thinning
  7. Corneal dystrophies
  8. Corneal trauma or injury
  9. Corneal rejection after previous transplant
  10. Corneal endothelial dysfunction

It is important for patients to follow up with their doctors regularly after surgery to monitor for complications and ensure proper healing.

Timeline

Before corneal transplant:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a corneal condition that cannot be treated with other methods.
  2. Patient consults with an ophthalmologist to determine if a corneal transplant is necessary.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and evaluation to determine suitability for surgery.
  4. Patient is placed on a waiting list for a donor cornea.

After corneal transplant:

  1. Patient undergoes corneal transplant surgery, which typically takes 1-2 hours.
  2. Patient is monitored closely in the immediate post-operative period for any signs of complications.
  3. Patient is prescribed medications to prevent infection and promote healing.
  4. Patient attends regular follow-up appointments to monitor the progress of the transplant.
  5. Patient may experience improvements in vision over time as the transplant heals.
  6. Patient may need to make lifestyle changes to protect the new cornea, such as avoiding rubbing the eyes or engaging in contact sports.
  7. Patient may need to continue taking medications long-term to prevent rejection of the transplant.
  8. Patient may experience complications such as rejection, infection, or astigmatism, which may require additional treatment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a corneal transplant surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during the recovery period?
  3. What is the success rate of corneal transplant surgery and what factors can impact the outcome?
  4. Will I need to take any medications after the surgery and for how long?
  5. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery and what signs should I look out for that may indicate a problem with the transplant?
  6. Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I need to take post-surgery to ensure the success of the transplant?
  7. What is the expected timeline for full recovery and when can I expect to see improvements in my vision?
  8. How will the COVID-19 pandemic impact my surgery and follow-up care, and what measures are in place to ensure my safety during this time?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or options to consider instead of a corneal transplant?
  10. Can you provide me with more information about the specific type of corneal transplant procedure you recommend for me and why it is the best option in my case?

Reference

Authors: Asena L, Dursun Altınörs D, Oto S, Haberal M. Journal: Exp Clin Transplant. 2022 Aug;20(Suppl 4):70-73. doi: 10.6002/ect.DonorSymp.2022.O14. PMID: 36018026