Corneal transplant

Corneal transplant also known as keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure where a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced by donated corneal tissue. The cornea is the clear surface of the eye, and has a vital role in focusing vision.

Indications

Corneal transplants are typically performed when medicines, keratoconus treatments, and other less invasive surgeries do not correct corneal damage. Conditions that might require a corneal transplant include:

• Keratoconus
• Fuchs' dystrophy
• Corneal scarring, caused by infection or injury
• Corneal ulcers, including those caused by infection
• Corneal swelling
• Corneal dystrophies
• Complications caused by previous eye surgery

Procedure

The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. During the surgery, the surgeon removes a portion of the cornea and replaces it with a matching donor cornea, which is then sutured into place. The procedure can take between one to two hours.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgery, corneal transplant surgery carries a risk of complications, such as:

• Infection
• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Detached retina
• Corneal graft rejection

Recovery

Recovery from a corneal transplant can take several months. It's important to take post-operative medications as directed, and to keep all follow-up appointments with the eye doctor. Vision may be blurry for a period of time after the surgery.

See Also

• Eye surgery
• Cornea
• Keratoconus
• Fuchs' dystrophy

Corneal transplant Resources
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