Our Summary

This study was designed to understand how patients felt about having corneal transplants done in an office setting, rather than in a traditional hospital. To do this, the researchers asked 567 people who had undergone the procedure to fill out a questionnaire about their experience six months after their surgery. They received responses from 354 patients.

The patients rated their overall experience with the corneal transplant and the specific office-based environment on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest level of satisfaction. The average rating for the overall surgical experience was 4.4, while the average for comfort in the office-based environment was 4.1.

Interestingly, the study found that patients who had previously undergone eye surgery in a traditional hospital setting were just as happy with their office-based corneal transplant as those who were having surgery for the first time. Most of the feedback and comments from the patients were about the surgical stretcher, not about the surgery itself or the office setting.

In short, patients generally had a positive experience with office-based corneal transplants, regardless of whether they’d had eye surgery in the past.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the study on corneal transplants?
  2. How were the patients’ experiences with office-based corneal transplants evaluated in this study?
  3. Did previous experience with eye surgery in a traditional hospital impact the satisfaction of patients with office-based corneal transplants?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about corneal transplant is to closely follow post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. This may include using prescribed eye drops, avoiding rubbing or touching the eye, wearing protective eyewear, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. Following these guidelines can help optimize the success of the transplant and promote overall eye health.

Suitable For

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

  • Corneal scarring or distortion
  • Corneal thinning or irregular shape (keratoconus)
  • Corneal ulcers or infections
  • Degenerative corneal diseases
  • Corneal dystrophies
  • Corneal swelling (Fuchs’ dystrophy)
  • Corneal injury or trauma
  • Corneal rejection after previous transplant

It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist to determine if they are suitable candidates for corneal transplant surgery. The decision to undergo a corneal transplant should be made in consultation with an eye care professional based on the individual patient’s specific condition and medical history.

Timeline

Before corneal transplant:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a corneal condition that requires a transplant.
  2. Patient consults with an ophthalmologist to discuss the procedure and potential risks.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and tests to determine if they are a suitable candidate for surgery.
  4. Patient is placed on a waiting list for a donor cornea.
  5. Once a donor cornea becomes available, the surgery is scheduled.

After corneal transplant:

  1. Patient undergoes the corneal transplant surgery, which typically takes about an hour.
  2. Patient is monitored in the recovery room for a few hours before being discharged.
  3. Patient is prescribed eye drops and medications to prevent infection and promote healing.
  4. Patient attends follow-up appointments with their ophthalmologist to monitor the healing process and adjust medications as needed.
  5. Patient may experience fluctuations in vision and discomfort during the initial recovery period.
  6. Over time, the patient’s vision gradually improves as the cornea heals and stabilizes.
  7. Patient may need to wear glasses or contact lenses to achieve optimal vision after the transplant.
  8. Patient continues to follow up with their ophthalmologist for long-term monitoring of their eye health.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a corneal transplant?
  2. How long is the recovery period after a corneal transplant and what can I expect during this time?
  3. Will I need to take any medications or follow a specific post-operative care regimen after the surgery?
  4. How successful are corneal transplants in improving vision and overall eye health?
  5. Are there any specific lifestyle changes I should make after the surgery to ensure the best possible outcome?
  6. How long does the corneal transplant procedure typically take and will I be awake or sedated during the surgery?
  7. What is the likelihood of rejection of the transplanted cornea and how can this be prevented or treated?
  8. How often will I need to follow up with my doctor after the surgery for monitoring and potential adjustments to my treatment plan?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered before opting for a corneal transplant?
  10. Can you provide me with information about the experience and success rate of other patients who have undergone corneal transplants in your practice?

Reference

Authors: Parker J, Krijgsman M, van Dijk K, Melles GR. Journal: Cornea. 2017 Apr;36(4):445-447. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0000000000001149. PMID: 28129303