Corneal Transplant
What is Corneal Transplant?
A corneal transplant, also known as keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace part or all of the cornea (the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye) with corneal tissue from a donor. The cornea helps focus light into the eye, allowing clear vision. If the cornea becomes damaged or diseased, it can lead to vision problems or even blindness, and a corneal transplant may be necessary to restore sight.
How to diagnose Corneal Transplant? When to consult a doctor?
Diagnosis Process for Corneal Transplant: Comprehensive Eye Exam, Visual Acuity Test, Slit-Lamp Examination, Corneal Topography, Pachymetry, Specular Microscopy & Corneal Sensitivity Test.
You should consult a doctor if:
- Persistent Blurred Vision: If your vision is consistently blurry despite using corrective lenses, it could indicate corneal damage or disease.
- Corneal Scarring or Cloudiness: Noticeable clouding or scarring on the surface of the eye may signal the need for further investigation.
- Severe Eye Pain: Unexplained or chronic eye pain, especially if accompanied by vision loss, should be evaluated by a doctor.
- Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia): Increased sensitivity to light could be a symptom of corneal problems.
- Infection or Injury: If your cornea is severely infected or damaged due to trauma, a corneal transplant may be necessary to restore vision.
- Fuchs’ Dystrophy: If you’ve been diagnosed with Fuchs’ dystrophy (a genetic disorder affecting the corneal endothelium), a transplant may eventually be required when vision deteriorates significantly.
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Causes
- Keratoconus
- Corneal Scarring
- Fuchs' Endothelial Dystrophy
- Corneal Infections
- Corneal Edema
- Corneal Ulcers
Symptoms
- Blurred or Clouded Vision
- Eye Pain
- Sensitivity to Light
- Decreased Vision at Night
- Visual Distortions
- Redness and Irritation
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery can take several months to a year, as the cornea heals slowly. Vision improvement occurs gradually, and patients will need to attend regular follow-up appointments.
Patients are usually advised to rest, avoid strenuous activities, and use prescribed eye drops to reduce inflammation and prevent infection. Vision may take several months to fully stabilize.
Signs of rejection include eye redness, pain, sensitivity to light, and a decrease in vision. It is important to contact your doctor immediately if you notice these symptoms.
