Corneal Transplants

Corneal transplantation is one of the most successful transplant surgeries performed in the world. This type of surgery can be indicated for any of the following reasons or conditions:

• Keratoconus (progressive thinning of the cornea)
• Fuch’s Dystrophy (progressive loss of endothelial cells)
• Bullous Keratopathy (small corneal blisters)
• Corneal scarring from injury or chemical burns
• Corneal ulcers

After a corneal transplant, it can take up to a year to know how much vision has been regained. Corneal rejection is rare but possible (20%, but can usually be treated with eye drops and restored), as with any kind of transplant. Signs of rejection may be redness, sensitivity, decrease in vision or pain.

A successful corneal transplant can dramatically restore lost vision and improve quality of life.

DSEK: The New Standard For Corneal Transplants

In the past, corneal transplants required the full thickness of the cornea to be replaced with healthy donor tissue. Thanks to recent breakthroughs, however, most corneal transplants can be performed today using a procedure called DSEK. DSEK works by replacing only a thin portion of the cornea, leading to better vision outcomes and more stability, as well as lower risk of complications.

Over 40,000 corneal transplants are performed in the United States every year, and corneal transplants have a higher success rate than any other tissue transplant.

Recovery

After a corneal transplant, it can take a year or more to realize your final outcome. You will be able to return to your normal activities as your vision improves.

Depending on your occupation, you should be able to return to work within one to two weeks. Heavy lifting should be avoided for several weeks. You will be placed on an eye drop regimen to encourage healing and acceptance of the transplant tissue, and it imperative to protect your eye during the recovery period.

Generally speaking, stitches will be removed no sooner than three months after your procedure. Your surgeon will decide on the best course of action based on your rate of recovery.

Click here to visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Eye Smart website to learn more about corneal transplants.