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Let's talk about corneal transplant

Let's talk about corneal transplant

22 June 2023

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The cornea is the transparent front window of the eye that covers the colored iris and round pupil. Light is focused as it passes through the cornea and pupil, so we can see.

How can a diseased cornea affect vision?

If the cornea is injured, it can become inflamed or scarred and lose its smoothness and clarity. Scarring, inflammation or an irregular shape can cause the cornea to scatter or distort light, resulting in glare or blurred vision.

Corneal transplantation is necessary if:

  • Vision cannot be satisfactorily corrected with glasses or contact lenses;
  • Painful swelling cannot be relieved with medications or special contact lenses.

What conditions may necessitate a corneal transplant?

  • Corneal insufficiency following other eye surgery, such as cataract surgery;
  • keratoconus, a pronounced curvature of the cornea;
  • hereditary corneal insufficiency, such as Fuchs' dystrophy;
  • scarring after infections, especially after herpes;
  • rejection after a first corneal transplant;
  • scarring after injury.

What happens if you decide to have a corneal transplant?

BEFORE SURGERY

Your ophthalmologist may ask you to undergo a physical examination and other special tests. If your ophthalmologist recommends corneal transplantation, he or she will contact the corneal bank to begin the search process.

If you usually take medications, ask your doctor if you should continue to use them.

When the operation is over, the doctor will usually place a shield over your eye.

AFTER SURGERY

If you are an outpatient, you will be able to go home after a short stay in the recovery area. You should arrange for someone to drive you home. An examination at the doctor's office will be scheduled for the next day.

You should:

  • use the eye drops as prescribed;
  • be careful not to rub or press on the eye;
  • take over-the-counter pain relievers, if necessary;
  • continue your normal daily activities, but avoid exercise or strenuous activities;
  • wear glasses or an eye shield for protection, as advised by your doctor;
  • ask your doctor when you can drive again;
  • call your doctor if you have any questions about home care instructions.

Your ophthalmologist will decide when to remove the stitches, depending on the health of your eye and the rate of healing. It will usually be a year before the stitches are removed, but this varies depending on the specific technique used. Often, the stitches are left in permanently.

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