Our Summary

This study looked at the patterns of corneal transplant surgeries at the University of Toronto. The researchers found that over a three-year period, 80% of the 1,104 corneal transplants were partial-thickness, while 20% were full-thickness. The main reasons for these transplants were Fuchs’ dystrophy (a type of eye disease), graft failure, bullous keratopathy (another type of eye disease), and keratoconus (a condition that affects the shape of the cornea). However, graft failure and keratoconus were the main reasons for full-thickness transplants. The study also found that by 2016, partial-thickness procedures had increased by 10% and accounted for 85% of all procedures. The study suggests more research is needed to see if these trends continue and what effect they might have on future graft failures.

FAQs

  1. What were the main reasons for corneal transplants according to the study conducted at the University of Toronto?
  2. Has the rate of partial-thickness corneal transplants increased over time according to the study?
  3. What further research is suggested by the study on corneal transplant surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about corneal transplant is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome. This may include taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, avoiding activities that could put strain on the eye, and protecting the eye from injury or infection. Compliance with post-operative care can help reduce the risk of complications and improve the chances of a successful transplant.

Suitable For

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

  1. Fuchs’ dystrophy: A progressive eye disease that affects the cornea and can cause clouding and swelling.

  2. Graft failure: When a previous corneal transplant has failed and a new transplant is needed.

  3. Bullous keratopathy: A condition where the cornea becomes swollen and develops fluid-filled blisters.

  4. Keratoconus: A condition where the cornea thins and bulges outwards, causing vision problems.

These conditions can significantly impact a patient’s vision and quality of life, making corneal transplant surgery a viable option to improve their visual acuity and overall eye health.

Timeline

Before corneal transplant:

  1. Patient is diagnosed with a condition that affects the cornea, such as Fuchs’ dystrophy, bullous keratopathy, or keratoconus.
  2. Patient undergoes various treatments and interventions to manage their condition, such as medications, contact lenses, or other surgical procedures.
  3. As the condition progresses and other treatments are no longer effective, the patient and their healthcare team decide that a corneal transplant is necessary.

After corneal transplant:

  1. Patient undergoes a thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist to determine if they are a candidate for corneal transplant.
  2. Once deemed eligible, the patient is placed on a waiting list for a donor cornea that matches their specific needs.
  3. The transplant surgery is performed, either as a partial-thickness or full-thickness procedure, depending on the specific condition being treated.
  4. Patient undergoes a period of recovery and rehabilitation, which may involve medications, eye drops, and follow-up appointments with their healthcare team.
  5. Over time, the patient’s vision improves and they experience relief from the symptoms of their underlying eye condition.
  6. Patient may need to make lifestyle adjustments, such as avoiding certain activities or wearing protective eyewear, to ensure the success of their transplant.
  7. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the health of the transplanted cornea and address any issues that may arise.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the success rate of corneal transplant surgery?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure?

  3. How long is the recovery time after the surgery?

  4. Will I need to take any medications after the surgery?

  5. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery?

  6. Are there any restrictions on activities or lifestyle changes I should be aware of post-surgery?

  7. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?

  8. How long do corneal transplants typically last?

  9. What is the difference between partial-thickness and full-thickness corneal transplants?

  10. What are the alternative treatment options to corneal transplant surgery?

Reference

Authors: Chan SWS, Yucel Y, Gupta N. Journal: Can J Ophthalmol. 2018 Dec;53(6):580-587. doi: 10.1016/j.jcjo.2018.02.023. Epub 2018 May 9. PMID: 30502981