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The cornea is the clear, outermost layer of the eye where light enters. It works by helping light focus on the retina, forming images which are processed and sent to the brain. If the cornea gets injured or damaged, and if other modes of treatment prove ineffective, a transplant may be the only viable option to prevent visual impairment.
A corneal transplant is performed by replacing the damaged cornea with a healthy one from a deceased donor. In this blog, we are going to discuss corneal transplants in detail, along with which corneal conditions call for a transplant.
What Is a Corneal Transplant?
A corneal transplant, also known as a keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves the replacement of an injured or damaged cornea with healthy tissue from a donor. The healthy tissue comes from a deceased donor, given that living people can’t donate their corneas.
A corneal transplant helps improve visual clarity and restore vision, serving as an effective solution for people suffering from severe visual impairment.
When Is a Corneal Transplant Required?
Here are some conditions that make a corneal transplant absolutely necessary:
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is an eye condition where the cornea becomes too thin and weak, and the eye bulges out in a cone-like shape. This causes visual impairment that is difficult to correct with specs or contact lenses if the condition has progressed. In advanced stages of keratoconus, only a corneal transplant can help facilitate better vision.
Corneal Scarring
If you’ve suffered an eye injury or infection, your cornea can get scarred. A corneal scar essentially blocks light from correctly entering the eye, causing vision to be blurred. In cases of extreme scarring, only a corneal transplant can help replace the damaged tissue with healthy tissue to facilitate clear vision.
Severe Eye Infections
Severe corneal infections, including viral, bacterial, or fungal keratitis, can seriously damage the cornea. When medications and other modes of treatment fail to provide relief, a corneal transplant may be necessary.
Corneal Degeneration
Age-related changes or degenerative diseases can alter the function and structure of the cornea. In such cases, only a corneal transplant can help improve vision and overall quality of life.
Previous Corneal Transplant Rejection
If a previously transplanted corneal tissue has been rejected by the body, a second transplant may become necessary.
Severe Corneal Ulcers
In cases where severe corneal ulcers do not heal with antibiotic eye drops, oral medication, and contact lenses, a corneal transplant may become necessary.
Corneal Transplant Recovery
Corneal transplant recovery time typically ranges from a few weeks to several months. Complete recovery can even take as long as one year. Here are a few recovery guidelines to keep in mind:
- Follow the prescribed eye drop routine
- Do not touch or rub your eyes
- Avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting
- Wear protective eyewear
- Schedule regular follow-up sessions with your doctor
- Eat a well-balanced diet
- Give ample rest to your eyes
- If you experience any pain, redness, or a decline in vision, seek immediate medical help
When to Visit a Doctor?
If you experience visual difficulties or symptoms associated with any of the above-mentioned eye conditions, you must seek immediate medical help. A specialist can diagnose the condition and advise on the appropriate course of treatment for you. Once your doctor determines that a corneal transplant may be necessary, you might be put on a waiting list. A corneal transplant is a major surgery and requires great expertise.
This is why it’s important to choose your doctor wisely. Sohana Hospital has some of the best cornea specialists in Punjab, who provide patients with the right guidance and exceptional medical care. With over 30 years of experience leading the eyecare industry in Tricity, Sohana Hospital promises to deliver patient care like no other. Advanced diagnostics, state-of-the-art treatment facilities, and a team of 16+ highly experienced ophthalmologists make the hospital the most trusted eyecare institution in North India.
