The eye is one of the important organs of our body. With the help of this beautiful organ, you can today see and enjoy this beautiful world. Many ancient philosophers followed the theory of active eye – “I had the power to seize objects by emanating rays.” Experiments conducted by Galen and Islamic scholars proved that eyes are damaged by light. To know about corneal transplant or keratoplasty you can consult an ophthalmologist online.
The purpose of the cornea is to focus on light, so problems that affect the cornea can cause a problem with the vision. If light rays pass through the impaired cornea, the rays get distorted and can cause vision problems. The cornea lacks the supply of blood and is avascular. If the cornea gets damaged due to any reason, it is necessary to replace it with another cornea which is called a corneal transplant. The factors present in the blood are responsible for the rejection of the transplanted organ. Since the cornea is avascular, this problem does not arise.
With the adoption of technology and development, it is easy to find the best cornea transplant hospitals. You can also take an online medical consultation in India.
What is the meaning of Corneal Transplant?
Keratoplasty means surgery to replace the damaged part of your cornea from a donor who donates corneal tissue. The cornea is a bulging and transparent surface of your eye.
The cornea transplant success rate is high with the help of surgical techniques and eye banking. Though, several factors are affecting the surgery. It is also mandatory to monitor the transplant over time to know any signs of graft rejection. In 90% of the cases, the vision is clear after the surgery. But the same depends from patient to patient, some can see clearly within a few weeks, and some patients can take up to a year. In case, if you face minor issues after the surgery, you can consult an ophthalmologist online and get a treatment done.
Types of Corneal Transplant
There are different types of corneal transplants a surgeon shouldperform. It depends on your corneal damage. The most commonly employed corneal surgery types are:
- Full Thickness Corneal Transplant
When all the cornea layers are damaged, a full-thickness corneal transplant is suggestible.
The doctors follow a PKP an ophthalmology procedure. Penetrating keratoplasty is a procedure where the layers of the cornea are replaced. The surgeon stitches the new cornea on the eye. The stitches are thinner than hair. This transplant is done if the patient suffers from scarring, bad bulging, or severe corneal injury. It takes time to heal.
- Partial-thickness corneal transplant
Partial-thickness corneal transplant where the thin (outside portion) and thick (middle portion) layers areof the damaged cornea is separated. This procedure is done by lifting the layer & injecting air. These layers were removed and replaced with a new one. It is known as deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). In simple language, it means that lamellar keratoplasty involves the removal and replacement of selective diseased cornea layers. The layers of the cornea are not affected for the patients who suffer from a corneal scar or keratoconus. This procedure does not take much time to heal.
- Endothelial keratoplasty
Many patients need periodic corneal transplants. This procedure is known as Endothelial keratoplasty, where the sufferer is suffering from Fuch’s dystrophy or similar, this procedure takes place. Here the problem is with the endothelium. And, hence the endothelium and Descemet membrane is removed & replaced with the donated endothelium (bit thicker) & Descemet membrane attached to the thick layer (middle one). It helps the recipient to take care of the tissue effortlessly. It is a lengthy & complex process but does not take much time to heal.
In some cases of Fuch’s dystrophy, only the centre layer of the cornea is removed & replaced, of the surrounding area is healthy. There are different keratoplasty types of surgeries: Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty & Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty.
What happens during a cornea transplant?
Your eyes will be open during the cornea transplant surgery but, the doctor will give you a sedative to relax your body. Local anaesthesia will be injected around the eye to avoid pain and help the eye muscles to move.
The surgery is for approximately 2 hours and is conducted with the help of a microscope. The surgeon removes a small and round part of your cornea tissue with the help of atrephine. And, a new cornea is placed and will stitch with a thin thread. The stitches are opened once your eye is healed.
Sometimes there might be a lack of transparency on or within the cornea surface. It is known as the scarred cornea. The corneas are transparent, but corneal scar tissue can cause other problems like distortion, obstructing vision, and so on.
Who are the candidates for a corneal transplant?
The following mentioned requirements indicate why would someone need a cornea transplant:
- Fuch’s dystrophy– corneal failure due to heredity
- Swelling of the cornea, cornea clouding, or scarring
- Keratoconus- a sharp curving of the cornea
- A cornea bulging outwards
- Thinning of a cornea
- Corneal ulcer due to trauma
- Corneal failure after an eye surgery like cataract surgery
- Corneal dystrophy
What to expect from Corneal Transplant?
You don’t need to stay long in the hospital after your surgery. The corneal transplant outcome can result in soreness in the eyes, partial loss of vision, and the doctor will suggest medications for a corneal transplant. Also, avoid rubbing your eyes and use eye drops suggested by your surgeon. Also, he will prescribe oral medications to prevent infections and healing.
Corneal Transplant After Care
Once the corneal transplant surgery is done, you have to take care of your eyes and also get a regular check-up done with your ophthalmologist, in case of any severe issues you can also consult an ophthalmologist online. The precautions to be taken post-surgery are:
- Use eye drops prescribed by your doctor;
- Do not rub or press your eyes;
- If you have severe pain, take a painkiller prescribed by your doctor;
- Wear eye protection or glasses to protect your eyes from sunlight, dust & so on;
- Lie on your back for a while after the surgery;
- Avoid eye injury;
- Talk to your doctor and return for frequent follow-up check-ups;
Once you heal the doctor will decide to remove the stitches.
Mediflam: consult a doctor online in India
Mediflam is one of the leading healthcare provider companies under the Flamingo group of companies. With the help of this platform, you can reach the concerned doctors without wasting much time.
It is a very easy and cost-effective way to book an appointment with our health service provided. Visit our website www.mediflam.com, check for the specialist doctor needed, and book an appointment.
FAQs Regarding Corneal Transplant
- Why would someone need a corneal transplant?
A corneal transplant is needed for people having vision problems such as thinning of the cornea due to keratoconus or scarred cornea caused due to severe injuries or infections.
- What can I expect after a corneal transplant?
The corneal transplant outcome can be a blurry vision for some time after the surgery. It may take 6-12 weeks to recover fully. Use eye drops prescribed by your doctor to help you heal and prevent any infections.
- How successful is a cornea transplant?
The corneal transplant success rate is 90% in most cases. Each patient is examined individually for definite results.
- How soon can you see after a corneal transplant?
You may experience blurred vision for a while after the surgery. Depending on your severity you will recover. Some people may recover in 6 weeks while others may take more than 6 weeks to enjoy the benefits of surgery and see clearly.
- How much does a cornea transplant cost?
The cornea transplant cost surgery can range between Rs 50000 and Rs 1 lakh and is conducted by only private sectors.
- What can you not do after a corneal transplant?
There are certain corneal transplant after-care things one should take care of: do not rub your eyes, wear eyeglasses, lie on your back for some time, have regular follow-up check-ups with your doctor, and so on.
