Cornea Transplant

Cornea Transplant in India - What Is Corneal Transplant Surgery?

A cornea transplant, also known as keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace part of your cornea with donor tissue. This short explains what the surgery involves and why it may be recommended.

What the surgery involves

• What it is. A cornea transplant, or keratoplasty, is an operation to remove all or part of a damaged cornea and replace it with healthy donor tissue.
• The cornea. The cornea is the transparent outer layer at the very front of the eye. A healthy cornea is essential for clear vision.
• Types of transplant. Surgery can involve a full-thickness transplant (penetrating keratoplasty) or a partial-thickness transplant (lamellar keratoplasty). The type depends on which layers of the cornea are affected.

Reasons for a cornea transplant

• Medical conditions. It can treat conditions that cause the cornea to change shape, such as keratoconus, or conditions that make it cloudy, such as Fuchs' dystrophy.
• Scarring or damage. The procedure may be advised for corneal scarring caused by an injury or a severe infection.
• Surgical complications. It is sometimes needed to address complications from a previous eye operation, such as cataract surgery.
• Main goals. The aim of the surgery is usually to improve sight, relieve pain, or treat a serious infection that is not responding to medication.

The procedure and recovery

The exact technique used is decided on a case-by-case basis.

• Anaesthetic. The operation is usually performed under local anaesthetic, meaning you are awake but your eye is numb. A general anaesthetic may also be used.
• The operation. The surgeon removes a circular section of your damaged cornea. A precisely matched donor cornea is then put in its place and secured with very fine stitches.
• After surgery. You will need to wear an eye shield for protection. Recovery can take several months, and you will be prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and rejection.

Whether a cornea transplant is suitable for you depends on your specific eye condition and general health. The decision can only be made after a specialist has reviewed your medical reports and conducted a thorough examination.