Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in General Eye Health on June 25, 2024
If you have certain eye conditions like keratoconus or severe damage to the cornea, you may need to have a corneal transplant. This procedure replaces damaged corneal tissue with tissue from a donor.
The procedure can restore vision, reduce eye pain, and improve quality of life. Keep reading to learn more about corneal transplants, including what happens during the procedure!
What is Corneal Transplant Surgery?
During a corneal transplant, your eye doctor will remove a section of your cornea and replace it with donor tissue. All donors agree to organ donation during their lives and give the gift of possible renewed sight to another.
During the corneal transplant surgery, your eye doctor will use specialized tools to carefully remove the affected portion of your cornea. Then, they will place the donor tissue onto the transplant site.
What Types of Corneal Transplant Surgery Are There?
Depending on your particular needs, you will have one of two types of corneal transplant procedure:
Full Thickness
The cornea has six layers of tissue. In a full-thickness corneal transplant, your eye doctor makes an incision through all of the layers to remove a section of the cornea.
The entire section is then replaced with donor tissue. With a full-thickness transplant, your eye doctor will use tiny sutures to attach the new tissue.
Partial Thickness
Your eye doctor may determine that you only need certain layers of your cornea replaced. Partial thickness surgery can remove either the back layers of the cornea or the layers at the surface.
Your eye doctor then places the corresponding donor tissue where it is needed. Partial thickness transplants have a lower risk of side effects such as donor tissue rejection.
If you have a transplant of the outer layer, your eye doctor will need to attach the new tissue with sutures. That may not be necessary if the transplant is for the inner layers.
Your eye doctor will discuss your anesthesia options with you so you understand what is necessary. It’s important to follow directions about eating, drinking, or taking medicine before surgery.
The corneal transplant procedure usually takes about two hours. You will be able to go home the same day once, but you will need someone to drive you home.
What is the Recovery Like After Corneal Transplant Surgery?
After corneal transplant surgery, you will need to wear an eye shield to protect your eyes. Your eye doctor will tell you how long to wear it and any other precautions you need to take during your recovery period.
You will also need to take any medications or eye drops that your eye doctor prescribes to reduce the risk of infection or other complications. Recovery from a corneal transplant takes several weeks.
Following the recovery instructions from your eye doctor will ensure that your recover as quickly and safely as possible. You will also need to return to your eye doctor’s office for regular visits during the months after the procedure to ensure your new cornea is healthy.
Do you want to learn more about corneal transplants or want help getting to the bottom of your vision issues? Schedule an appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, today!
