What is Corneal Transplant? Purpose of Corneal Transplant

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What is Corneal Transplant?

Corneal transplant is a type of surgical procedure that is also known as keratoplasty. In this process, the diseased or damaged cornea is replaced with a healthy one. The cornea can be taken from the eyes of a dead person as many people donate their eyes before their death. Many people may be wondering what the cornea is. So, let me tell you, the cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface of the front of the eye and has three layers. The cornea helps protect the eyes from dust and germs present in the environment. The cornea permits the light to enter the eye and helps us to see clearly. If a person’s entire cornea is damaged, then his vision gets blurred. In some cases, the person may become completely blind. Let us explain in detail about the purpose of corneal transplant in today’s article.

• Purpose of Corneal Transplant
• What to do before a Corneal Transplant?
• Procedure of Corneal Transplant 
• How to take care after a Corneal Transplant?
• What are the Risks of Corneal Transplant?
• What is the Cost of Corneal Transplant in India?

Purpose of Corneal Transplant

A corneal transplant may be recommended based on the following conditions.

• If a part of the cornea is damaged, the doctor may suggest a transplant.
• Injury to the cornea due to an accident.
• Blurred vision
• Infection
• Inflammation of the cornea due to some bacterial infection.
• Fuchs’ dystrophy
• Previous eye surgery.

What to do before a Corneal Transplant? 

The following preparations are required before a corneal transplant.

• The doctor performs few eye tests before treatment to determine whether to perform surgery or not.
• You may need to stop taking blood-thinning medications one week before surgery.
• If you take any prescription medications, then talk to your doctor.
• If you are a patient with diabetes and BP, ask the doctor about taking medications before surgery.(Read more – What is the treatment for diabetes)
• The patient has to stop eating and drinking after midnight on the night before surgery.
• The patient should not consume any intoxicants and alcohol before surgery.
• Take a family member with you to drive you home after surgery.
• Before any procedure, the doctor asks the patient to sign some hospital papers.

Procedure of Corneal Transplant

Before starting the procedure of corneal transplant, the doctor puts an eye drop in the patient’s eye or may give him some medicines. After this, local anesthesia is given to numb the area around the patient’s eye and to keep your eye muscles from moving. During the surgery, an instrument is used to keep your eyes open. The patient cannot see anything obviously due to the effect of anesthesia. In this case, the doctor examines the extent of corneal damage, is it more or less, to determine which procedure should be used.

A corneal transplant can be done in three ways based on the condition.

• Penetrating keratoplasty – In this process, the entire damaged cornea is removed using a blade and replaced with a healthy cornea.
• Endothelial keratoplasty – In this procedure, the innermost layer of the cornea is replaced by healthy donor tissues. However, to finish the procedure, an air bubble is used instead of stitches to keep the donor cornea in position.
• Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty – In this procedure, the outer layer of the cornea is replaced. (Read more – How is glaucoma surgery done)

How to take care after a Corneal Transplant?

It may take a few months to a year for the patient to recover after a corneal transplant. Special care of the patient is required after a corneal transplant.

• The patient should not rub his eyes.
• Do not carry heavy things.
• Do not keep the eyes open while taking a bath.
• After the surgery, the patient should not drive a car until the doctor says so.
• Avoid swimming and all other water sports for a few months.
• The eye drops prescribed by the doctor should be used regularly. Also, take your medications on time.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the light.
• After the surgery, do not perform any activity that may harm your eyes.
• Do not perform any work that may strain your eyes. (Read more – What is eye flu)

What are the Risks of Corneal Transplant?

Every surgery has some risks and complications, in the same way, a corneal transplant may also have some of the following risks.

• Swelling in the eyes
• Bleeding in the eyes
• Risk of cataract
• Rejection of the donor cornea
• Onset of glaucoma (Read more – What is the treatment for glaucoma)
• Infection in the eye
• Retinal detachment
• Difficulty in seeing

What is the Cost of Corneal Transplant in India?

The total cost of a corneal transplant in India can range from around INR 50,000 to INR 1,00,000. However, there are many big hospitals and famous doctors in India who specialize in corneal transplants. But the costs may vary across different hospitals.(Read more – How is cataract surgery done)

We hope that we could answer all your questions regarding corneal transplants through this article.

If you want more information and treatment about corneal transplants, you can contact an Ophthalmologist.

We only aim to give you information through the article. We do not recommend medication or treatment in any way. Only a doctor can give you good advice because no one else is better than them.

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