Corneal Transplantation

Conditions such as corneal scarring, keratoconus, corneal dystrophies, corneal ulcers, and certain infections can cause significant damage to the cornea, leading to vision impairment or blindness. When other treatments like medication or contact lenses fail to restore vision, corneal transplantation may be recommended.

During the procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged portion of the cornea and replaces it with a donor cornea, which is typically obtained from a deceased individual who had previously agreed to donate their corneas. The donor cornea is carefully matched to the recipient based on factors such as size and tissue compatibility to minimize the risk of rejection.

There are different types of corneal transplantation techniques, including penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), where the entire thickness of the cornea is replaced, and lamellar keratoplasty, where only the diseased or damaged layers of the cornea are replaced, leaving healthy layers intact. Techniques such as Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) and Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) specifically target the endothelial layer of the cornea.

Following corneal transplantation, patients typically undergo a period of recovery during which they may experience temporary vision fluctuations, discomfort, and the need for regular monitoring and medication to prevent rejection or infection. However, with successful transplantation, many patients experience significant improvement in vision and quality of life.