Corneal Transplantation

OVERVIEW

Corneal transplantation, also called corneal graft surgery or keratoplasty, is a procedure where a damaged or cloudy cornea is replaced with healthy donor corneal tissue. The cornea is the clear front window of the eye that allows light to enter and helps focus vision. When it becomes scarred, swollen, or irregular, vision can become blurred, distorted, or painful. Corneal transplantation aims to restore clarity, comfort, and visual function when other treatments are no longer effective.

COMMON REASONS FOR CORNEAL TRANSPLANTATION

Corneal transplantation may be recommended for the following conditions:

1. Corneal scars from infection or injury

2. Keratoconus or other corneal thinning disorders

3. Corneal swelling after cataract or other eye surgery

4. Corneal dystrophies and degenerations

5. Severe corneal ulcers or perforations

Your ophthalmologist confirms the need for transplant using clinical examination and corneal imaging tests.

TYPES OF CORNEAL TRANSPLANT

There are different techniques depending on which corneal layers are affected.

1. Full thickness transplant replaces the entire cornea

2. Partial thickness transplant replaces only the diseased layers

3. Endothelial transplant replaces only the inner cell layer responsible for keeping the cornea clear

Layer-specific procedures are often preferred when suitable because they may allow faster recovery and lower rejection risk.

HOW THE PROCEDURE IS DONE

Corneal transplantation is usually performed under local anesthesia with sedation, or sometimes general anesthesia. The damaged corneal tissue is carefully removed and replaced with matched donor tissue. The graft is positioned and secured using very fine sutures or specialized techniques depending on the transplant type. The procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis.

Donor corneas come from certified eye banks and are carefully screened for safety and quality according to medical standards.

EXPECTED BENEFITS

The goals of corneal transplantation are:

1. Improve visual clarity

2. Reduce pain from corneal disease

3. Restore corneal structure and stability

4. Improve quality of life and daily function

Visual improvement may take weeks to months, and sometimes longer, depending on the condition and transplant type.

RISKS AND LIMITATIONS

All surgeries carry risk. Possible complications include:

1. Graft rejection

2. Infection

3. Increased eye pressure

4. Astigmatism or refractive error

5. Graft failure requiring repeat surgery

Even with a clear graft, glasses, contact lenses, or additional procedures may still be needed for best vision.

RECOVERY AND AFTERCARE

Recovery requires close follow-up and strict adherence to medications. Patients must use prescribed eye drops, usually including steroids and antibiotics, to prevent rejection and infection. Follow-up visits are essential to monitor healing and graft health. Sutures, if present, may remain for months and are removed selectively.

LEGAL AND SAFETY NOTICE

Corneal transplantation is recommended only after full clinical evaluation by a qualified ophthalmologist. Suitability, expected outcomes, and risks vary per patient. This description is for patient education and service explanation and does not replace individualized medical advice or a formal surgical consent discussion.