Our Summary

This research looked at ways to improve the success of corneal transplants, which are the most common type of organ transplant. One of the main reasons these transplants fail is because the cells on the inner layer of the cornea (the endothelial cells) don’t reproduce and can be lost during or after the surgery. This study examined whether a product called activated platelet rich plasma (aPRP), which is taken from the patient’s own blood and is known to have healing and protective properties, could help. The researchers treated human corneal grafts with aPRP and found that it helped protect these endothelial cells from dying and encouraged them to multiply. This treatment didn’t cause any changes to the overall structure of the grafts. The findings suggest that treating corneal grafts with aPRP before surgery could help the transplant last longer and improve results for patients.

FAQs

  1. What is one of the main reasons for the failure of corneal transplants?
  2. How does activated platelet rich plasma (aPRP) potentially improve the success of corneal transplants?
  3. What effect does aPRP treatment have on the overall structure of corneal grafts?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing a corneal transplant to ask about the possibility of using activated platelet rich plasma (aPRP) to help protect the endothelial cells and improve the success of the transplant. This treatment could potentially lead to better outcomes and a longer-lasting transplant.

Suitable For

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

  1. Fuchs’ dystrophy: A progressive disease that affects the endothelial cells of the cornea, leading to clouding and loss of vision.

  2. Keratoconus: A condition in which the cornea becomes thin and cone-shaped, leading to distorted vision.

  3. Corneal scarring: Caused by injury, infection, or other trauma to the cornea, resulting in vision impairment.

  4. Corneal ulcers: Deep sores on the cornea that can lead to scarring and vision loss if not treated promptly.

  5. Corneal edema: Swelling of the cornea due to fluid buildup, which can cause blurry vision and discomfort.

  6. Previous corneal transplant failure: Patients who have had a previous corneal transplant that was not successful may be recommended for a repeat transplant.

Overall, corneal transplants are recommended for patients whose vision is significantly impaired due to corneal diseases or injuries that cannot be treated effectively with other methods.

Timeline

Before corneal transplant:

  1. Patient experiences vision loss, discomfort, or other symptoms due to a damaged or diseased cornea.
  2. Patient consults with an ophthalmologist who recommends a corneal transplant as a treatment option.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to determine eligibility for the transplant surgery.

After corneal transplant:

  1. Patient undergoes corneal transplant surgery, which involves replacing the damaged or diseased cornea with a healthy donor cornea.
  2. Patient goes through a recovery period, which includes taking medications to prevent infection and promote healing.
  3. Patient attends follow-up appointments with the ophthalmologist to monitor the success of the transplant and address any concerns.
  4. If the transplant is successful, patient experiences improved vision and relief from previous symptoms.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. Can aPRP treatment be used for my corneal transplant surgery?
  2. What are the potential risks and side effects of using aPRP for my corneal transplant?
  3. How does aPRP help protect and encourage the growth of endothelial cells in the cornea?
  4. Are there any specific guidelines or precautions I should follow before and after receiving aPRP treatment?
  5. How soon before my corneal transplant surgery should I receive aPRP treatment?
  6. Will the use of aPRP for my corneal transplant affect the overall success rate of the surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or options available for improving the success of my corneal transplant?
  8. What is the success rate of using aPRP for corneal transplants, based on current research and clinical studies?
  9. How long can I expect the benefits of aPRP treatment to last for my corneal transplant?
  10. Are there any additional costs associated with using aPRP for my corneal transplant surgery?

Reference

Authors: Gomez A, Mercado C, Venkateswaran N, Sen-Corcuera B, Miller D, Dubovy S, Salero E, Sabater AL. Journal: Exp Eye Res. 2022 Jul;220:109100. doi: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109100. Epub 2022 Apr 30. PMID: 35504323