What You Need to Know About Cornea Transplants

If you have recently been experiencing blurred vision, severe corneal scarring, or swelling that affects your eyesight, your doctor might recommend a corneal transplant to restore your vision. Cornea transplants involve replacing a damaged or diseased cornea with a healthy one from a donor. Let’s explore five crucial things you need to know about cornea transplants to help you better understand the procedure and what to expect.

1.   Different cornea transplant methods

There are various types of cornea transplants based on the severity of damage to the cornea. Below are the main types of cornea transplants:

• Penetrating keratoplasty (PK): PK involves replacing the entire cornea with a donor cornea.
• Endothelial keratoplasty (EK): Also known as partial thickness transplant, EK replaces only the damaged layers, preserving more of your natural cornea tissue.
• Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) – This procedure replaces the front layers of the cornea while keeping the endothelium intact.
• Artificial cornea transplant (Keratoprosthesis) – In cases where traditional transplants are unsuitable, an artificial cornea (keratoprosthesis) may be used to restore vision.

2.   The role of donor cornea tissue

A successful transplant requires a healthy donor cornea. The donor corneas typically come from deceased individuals who have agreed to donate their organs. Before it is used, your doctor will carefully screen the donated cornea tissue to ensure it is healthy and safe for transplant. Doctors often check for infections or diseases to reduce any risk to the recipient.

Once approved, the donor cornea replaces the damaged part of your cornea. Since the cornea does not have blood vessels, your body is less likely to reject the new tissue than other organ transplants. However, ensure you take your medications and attend regular check-ups to ascertain that your body accepts the new cornea.

3.   Conditions that require a cornea transplant

Several eye conditions may necessitate a cornea transplant. They include:

• Keratoconus, a condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge
• Corneal scarring from infections or injuries
• Fuchs’ dystrophy, a disorder that causes the cornea’s inner layer to deteriorate
• Complications from previous eye surgeries

When these conditions significantly impair your vision or cause pain, your doctor may recommend a cornea transplant.

4.   Recovery and healing process

Recovery from a cornea transplant varies depending on the type of procedure performed. Often, full-thickness transplants take longer to heal, sometimes up to a year, while partial-thickness procedures have a faster recovery time. Most patients use prescription eye drops to prevent infection and rejection. You may also need protective eyewear to speed up recovery and avoid contamination. Be sure to see your ophthalmologist regularly to monitor healing and detect minor complications before they worsen.

5.   Risks and success rates

Cornea transplants have a high success rate, but like other surgical procedures, they come with risks, including eye infection, increased eye pressure (Glaucoma), astigmatism, rejection of the donor tissue, retinal problems like swelling or retinal detachment, and bleeding

Be sure to watch out for rejection symptoms, such as loss of vision, red eyes, eye pain, and sensitivity to light. If you notice these symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor for medical treatment.

Endnote

A cornea transplant can significantly impact your life. Before undergoing the surgery, understand the procedure, recovery, and potential risks to make informed decisions about your eye health.