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Corneal transplant surgery is a sophisticated procedure employed to replace damaged or unhealthy corneal tissue with healthy ones from a donor. This surgery improves vision and alleviates discomfort caused by various corneal conditions. By understanding the different types of corneal transplant surgeries, their recovery process, and their success rates, you can make an informed decision about your treatment options. If you suspect you may need this surgery, or for further enquiries, don't hesitate to consult the experienced doctors at Pristyn Care for a diagnosis or book your appointment today.
Corneal transplant surgery is a sophisticated procedure employed to replace damaged or unhealthy ... Read More
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Corneal transplant surgery, also known as corneal grafting or keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to treat various corneal conditions that affect vision and cause discomfort. The cornea is the clear front layer of our eyes that focuses light to provide us with clear vision. When damaged or diseased by conditions such as keratoconus, Fuchs’ dystrophy, or corneal scarring, this crucial part of the eye can be replaced with healthy tissue from a donor. The operation is normally carried out by an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) on an OPD basis, which means there’s usually no need for an overnight hospital stay. Despite its complexity, corneal transplant surgery enjoys a high success rate and has become a common solution for severe corneal issues.
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Corneal transplant surgeries come in different types based on the layers of the cornea that need replacement. Here are the key types:
Keratoprosthesis: This specialised type of corneal transplant combines donor corneal tissue with a synthetic central optic. It’s typically reserved for patients with severe corneal disease who are unlikely to benefit from traditional corneal transplants.
Before heading towards corneal transplant surgery, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s eyes. The diagnosis of keratoconus may require several tests and examinations including:
Once diagnosed, if keratoconus progresses to a stage where vision cannot be adequately corrected with glasses or contact lenses, corneal transplant surgery may be deemed necessary.
Corneal transplant surgery is an outpatient procedure designed to replace damaged or diseased cornea with healthy donor tissue. Here’s what you can expect from the procedure:
The corneal transplant surgery success rate is high, with most patients experiencing significant improvements in vision.
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Determining if you’re a suitable candidate for corneal transplant surgery depends on various factors. Here are a few conditions that might make you eligible:
Other Treatments’ Ineffectiveness: If other treatments have failed to improve your vision or alleviate your symptoms, corneal transplant surgery could be the next step.
Corneal transplant surgery can be a transformative procedure for those suffering from corneal diseases. The benefits of this surgery are manifold:
Reduced Pain: For patients with painful corneal conditions, the transplant can relieve the discomfort associated with corneal diseases.
Before you undergo corneal transplant surgery, there are several preparations you must make. Here are some key steps:
Logistics: Arrange transportation to and from the hospital, as you will not be able to drive after the operation due to the effects of general anaesthesia.
Postoperative care is paramount for recovery after corneal transplant surgery. Here’s what you should look out for:
Protective Eyewear: Wear sunglasses outdoors to shield the eyes from UV light and wind.
Despite its high success rate, corneal transplant surgery does come with potential risks. Here are some complications that might occur:
Vision Fluctuations: During the healing process, patients may experience fluctuations in their vision as the eye adjusts to the new graft.
Your ophthalmologist or eye specialist will use certain tools and tests to diagnose the conditions requiring corneal transplant surgery. These may include a slit-lamp examination, computerised corneal mapping, measure of corneal thickness (pachymetry), assessment of endothelial cell density and other necessary checks to evaluate the condition of your corneal layers.
Corneal transplant surgeries have a high success rate globally and in India. The exact success rate might vary depending on the specific type of surgery performed. On average, more than 95% of patients experience significant improvement in their vision after corneal transplant surgery.
Recovery from a corneal transplant surgery varies from person to person and also depends on the type of transplant done. Typically, complete healing for full-thickness transplants might take up to 12-18 months, while recovery from partial thickness or anterior lamellar transplants (DALK) can be faster.
Post-corneal transplant surgery, you may notice a significant improvement in your vision. However, it’s important to note that this improvement may not be immediate. For some, it could take several months before they experience a noticeable enhancement in sight.
Maintaining regular follow-ups with your specialist, adhering strictly to your prescribed medication routine, protecting your eyes from injury, and avoiding strenuous activities can significantly enhance your recovery process and increase the chances of a successful outcome post-surgery.
Yes, the majority of individuals who undergo corneal transplant surgery can resume their standard activities after a complete recovery period. However, certain precautions, like wearing protective eyewear during sports and avoiding eye rubbing, need to be followed.
During your recovery from corneal transplant surgery, it’s vital to maintain regular visits with your doctor to monitor the healing process. The frequency of these check-ups might be weekly initially, then monthly and eventually yearly as per your doctor’s recommendation.
In some cases, if the initial corneal transplant fails or if the eye condition recurs, a second or even third transplant may be performed. The success of repeat procedures, however, depends on the specific circumstances and the cause of the original graft failure.
Corneal transplant surgery is generally performed under local anaesthesia, meaning you will be awake but your eye will be numbed. You should not feel pain during the procedure. After the operation, you might experience some discomfort or mild pain which can usually be managed with medication.
Successful corneal transplant surgery is generally indicated by improved clarity of vision, absence of redness or pain in the eye, and lack of rejection symptoms such as sensitivity to light and reduced vision.
