Our Summary

This study looked at the success and rejection rates of corneal transplants, a procedure used to replace a damaged or diseased cornea in the eye. The researchers examined cases where patients had received a transplant in one or both eyes due to conditions like Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (FED), pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK), or keratoconus.

They found that for FED and keratoconus patients who had received transplants in both eyes, there was a 50% decrease in the chance of the first transplant failing within 5 years. However, this was not the case for patients with PBK. Furthermore, this beneficial effect was more pronounced in FED patients who had received a certain type of transplant procedure (endothelial keratoplasty) in the first eye, reducing the risk of failure by 70%.

Interestingly, having a transplant in the second eye did not seem to affect the chance of the body rejecting the first transplant.

In simpler terms, for certain eye conditions, having a cornea transplant in both eyes, rather than just one, may actually improve the chances of the first transplant being successful. However, this doesn’t seem to affect the chances of the body rejecting the transplant.

FAQs

  1. Does having a corneal transplant in both eyes improve the chances of success compared to having a transplant in just one eye?
  2. Does the type of eye condition affect the success or rejection rates of corneal transplants?
  3. Does having a corneal transplant in the second eye affect the chances of the body rejecting the first transplant?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might recommend to a patient undergoing a corneal transplant to consider having the procedure done in both eyes if they have conditions like FED or keratoconus. This can potentially increase the success rate of the first transplant. It is also important to follow all post-operative care instructions to reduce the risk of rejection and ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients with conditions like Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, and keratoconus are typically recommended for corneal transplant surgery. Additionally, patients who have had a previous transplant in one eye may benefit from having a transplant in the other eye as well, especially for conditions like FED and keratoconus. The type of transplant procedure, such as endothelial keratoplasty, may also impact the success rate of the transplant.

Timeline

Before the corneal transplant, the patient will undergo a thorough evaluation by an eye doctor to determine if they are a suitable candidate for the procedure. This evaluation may include various tests and scans to assess the health of the eye and the condition of the cornea.

During the transplant surgery, the damaged or diseased cornea is removed and replaced with a healthy donor cornea. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia and takes about an hour to complete.

After the surgery, the patient will need to follow a strict post-operative care regimen, which may include using eye drops, wearing a protective shield over the eye, and avoiding activities that could put strain on the eye. The patient will also need to attend follow-up appointments with their eye doctor to monitor the healing process and ensure that the transplant is successful.

In the weeks and months following the transplant, the patient may experience blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and discomfort in the eye. These symptoms should gradually improve as the eye heals.

Overall, the success of a corneal transplant depends on various factors, including the underlying condition of the eye, the skill of the surgeon, and the patient’s adherence to post-operative care instructions. With proper care and monitoring, many patients experience improved vision and quality of life after a corneal transplant.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is the success rate of corneal transplants for my specific condition?
  2. Will I need a transplant in both eyes, or just one?
  3. What type of transplant procedure is recommended for my condition?
  4. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the transplant surgery?
  5. How long is the recovery process and what is involved in post-operative care?
  6. How will I know if my body is rejecting the transplant, and what should I do if that occurs?
  7. Are there any lifestyle changes I need to make after the transplant?
  8. How often will I need to follow up with you after the surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments to consider before opting for a corneal transplant?
  10. What are the long-term outcomes and expectations for vision improvement after the transplant?

Reference

Authors: Steger B, Curnow E, Cheeseman R, Romano V, Kaye A, Jones M, Kaye S; National Health Service Blood and Transplant Ocular Tissue Advisory Group and Contributing Ophthalmologists (OTAG Audit Study 21). Journal: Am J Ophthalmol. 2016 Oct;170:50-57. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2016.07.019. Epub 2016 Aug 1. PMID: 27491697