Cornea Transplant

Good vision is a precious gift, but many people experience vision problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Fortunately, there are advanced surgical procedures available to correct these issues. Two popular options are SMILE (Small Incision Lenticule Extraction) and LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis). In this blog, we’ll delve into these vision correction techniques, the conditions they treat, and the treatment process.

1. Full Thickness Cornea Transplant (Penetrating Keratoplasty – PKP): PKP involves replacing the entire cornea with a donor cornea. It is used for severe corneal damage or diseases that affect multiple layers.
2. Lamellar Cornea Transplant: There are two main types of lamellar transplants:

• Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK): ALK involves replacing the front layers of the cornea, leaving the innermost layer intact. It is used for conditions like keratoconus and corneal scars.
• Posterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (PLK): PLK, which includes Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK) and Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK), focuses on the back layers of the cornea. It is primarily used for endothelial conditions like Fuchs’ dystrophy.

Conditions Requiring Cornea Transplant:

Several eye conditions may necessitate a cornea transplant, including:

1. Keratoconus: A progressive thinning and bulging of the cornea.
2. Fuchs’ Dystrophy: A degenerative disease affecting the corneal endothelium.
3. Corneal Scars: Resulting from injuries, infections, or previous surgeries.
4. Corneal Edema: Swelling of the cornea due to endothelial dysfunction.
5. Corneal Infections: Severe infections like fungal keratitis.
6. Corneal Degenerations: Conditions like lattice dystrophy or map-dot-fingerprint dystrophy.

 

Treatment Options:

• Preoperative Evaluation: Before the transplant, a comprehensive eye examination is conducted to determine the suitability for the surgery. Factors like overall eye health, corneal thickness, and specific conditions are assessed.
• Donor Cornea Selection: Donor corneas are carefully screened for infectious diseases and overall quality. Compatibility between the donor and recipient is crucial to reduce the risk of rejection.
• Surgical Procedure: The transplant is performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s age and health. The damaged cornea is removed, and the donor cornea is stitched in place for PKP, while lamellar transplants involve selective layer replacement.
• Postoperative Care: Patients must follow strict postoperative care instructions, including using prescribed eye drops, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending regular follow-up appointments.
• Potential Complications: Complications may include rejection, infection, and astigmatism, but these can often be managed with prompt medical attention.

Cornea transplantation is a highly successful procedure that can restore vision and improve the quality of life for individuals with corneal conditions. The choice of transplant type and the success of the surgery depend on the specific condition and careful preoperative evaluation. With proper care and monitoring, many patients can enjoy improved vision and a better quality of life after cornea transplantation. If you suspect you may need a cornea transplant or have questions about the procedure, consult an eye specialist for personalized guidance and recommendations.