Corneal Transplants
Ophthalmologists perform over 40,000 corneal transplants
each year in the United States. Of all transplant surgery done today--including
hearts, lungs and kidneys--corneal transplants are by
far the most common and successful.
What Is The Cornea?
The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye that covers the colored iris
and the round pupil. Light is focused while passing through the cornea
so we can see. To stay clear, the cornea must be healthy.
How Can An Unhealthy Cornea Affect Vision?
If the cornea is damaged it may become swollen or scarred. In either
case, its smoothness and clarity may be lost. The scars, swelling or an
irregular shape cause the cornea to scatter or distort light, resulting
in glare or blurred vision.
A corneal transplant is needed if:
- Vision cannot be corrected satisfactorily;
- Painful swelling cannot be relieved by medications.
What Conditions May Require A Corneal Transplant?
- Corneal failure after other eye surgery;
- Keratoconus, a steep curving of the cornea;
- Hereditary corneal failure, such as Fuch's Dystrophy;
- Scarring after infections, especially after herpes;
- Rejection after first corneal transplant;
- Scarring after injury.
What Happens If You Decide To Have A Corneal Transplant?
- Before Transplant
Once you and your ophthalmologist decide you need a corneal transplant,
your name is put on a list at the local eye bank.
Before a cornea is released for transplant, the eye bank tests the human
donor for the viruses that cause hepatitis and AIDS. The cornea is then carefully
checked for clarity.
Your ophthalmologist may request that you have a physical examination
and other special tests. If you usually take medications, ask your ophthalmologist
if you should continue until after your procedure.
- The Day Of Transplant
Transplants are often done on an outpatient basis. You may be asked to
skip breakfast, depending on the time of your transplant. Once you arrive
for the transplant, you will be given eye drops and sometimes medications
to help you relax.
The operation is painless. Anesthesia is either local or general, depending
on your age, medical condition and eye disease. You will not see the transplant
while it is happening, and will not have to worry about keeping your eye
open or closed.
- The Operation
The eyelids are gently opened. Looking through a surgical microscope,
the ophthalmologist measures the eye for the size for the corneal transplant.
The diseased or injured cornea is carefully removed from the eye. Any
necessary additional work within the eye, such as removal of a cataract,
is completed. Then the clear donor cornea is sewn into place.
When the operation is over, the ophthalmologist will usually place a
shield over your eye for additional protection.
- After Transplant
Since the transplant is performed in our state of the art outpatient surgery
center, you may go home after a short stay in the recovery area. You should
plan to have someone else drive you home.
An examination at the doctor’s office will be scheduled for the
following day.
You will need to:
- Use the eye drops as prescribed;
- Be careful not to rub or press on your eye;
- Use the over-the-counter pain medicine, if necessary;
- Continue normal daily activities except exercise;
- Ask your doctor when you can begin driving;
- Wear eyeglasses or an eye shield as advised by your doctor.
Your ophthalmologist will decide when to remove the stitches, depending
upon the health of the eye and rate of healing. Usually, it will be several
months, at least, before stitches are removed.
What Complications Can Occur?
A small percentage of the time; corneal transplants are rejected.
The rejected cornea clouds and vision deteriorates.
Most rejections, if treated promptly, can be stopped with minimal injury.
Warning signs of rejection are:
- Persistent discomfort;
- Light sensitivity;
- Redness;
- Changes in vision.
Any of the symptoms indicated above should be reported to your ophthalmologist
promptly.
Other possible complications include:
- Infection;
- Bleeding;
- Swelling or detachment of the retina;
- Glaucoma.
All of these complications can be treated.
A corneal transplant can be repeated, usually with good results, but
the overall rejection rates for repeated transplants are higher than for
the first time around.
Irregular curvature of the transplanted cornea (astigmatism) may slow
the return of vision but can also be treated. Vision may continue to improve
up to a year after surgery.
Even if transplant is successful, any other eye conditions, such as Macular
Degeneration (aging of the retina), Glaucoma or Diabetic damage may limit
vision after transplant. Even with such problems, corneal transplantation
may still be worthwhile.
A successful corneal transplant requires care and attention on the part
of both patient and physician. However, no other surgery has so much to
offer when the cornea is deeply scarred or swollen. The vast majority
of people who undergo corneal transplants are extremely happy with their improved
vision.
Of course, corneal transplant surgery would not be possible without the
hundreds of thousands of generous donors and their families who have donated
corneal tissue so that others may see.
To Learn More About Our Corneal Transplant Specialist:
Cameron S. Griffith , M.D., M.S.
If you are considering having a corneal transplant
in Hattiesburg/Picayune or the surrounding Mississippi
area, please call 601-264-EYES or email
us today to schedule your consultation.
(601)264-3937
1420 S. 28th Ave
Hattiesburg, MS 39402
(601)-251-3937
#1 Sycamore, Suite K
Picayune, MS 39466
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