Your cornea — the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of your eye — plays a major role in focusing light and enabling clear vision. When it becomes damaged or diseased, your sight can be severely affected.
A corneal transplant (also called keratoplasty) is a surgical procedure that replaces all or part of the damaged cornea with healthy tissue from a donor. This surgery can:
- Restore vision
- Reduce pain
- Improve the appearance of a scarred or cloudy cornea
While the success rate is generally high, there is a small risk of complications such as donor tissue rejection. The type of transplant you receive depends on which corneal layers are damaged and the extent of the injury.
Understanding the Layers of the Cornea
The cornea has five distinct layers:
- Epithelium – The outer layer that protects the cornea and helps focus light.
- Bowman’s Layer – A thin, protective sheet beneath the epithelium.
- Stroma – The thickest layer, providing strength and structure.
- Descemet’s Membrane – A thin layer separating the stroma from the innermost cells.
- Endothelium – The inner layer responsible for draining excess fluid to keep vision clear.
When Is a Corneal Transplant Needed?
A transplant may be recommended if you have:
- Keratoconus (bulging of the cornea)
- Corneal scarring from injury or infection
- Clouding, thinning, or swelling of the cornea
- Fuchs’ dystrophy
- Complications from previous eye surgery
- Corneal ulcers
Minor corneal scratches often heal naturally, but deeper injuries may require surgical intervention.
Preparing for Surgery
Before the procedure, your eye specialist will:
- Examine your eye health
- Review your medical history and medications
- Possibly adjust or stop certain medicines before surgery
Types of Corneal Transplant (Keratoplasty)
1. Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK)
- Replaces all layers of the cornea
- The damaged cornea is removed and replaced with a donor corneal “button”
- Stitches or a scleral fixation ring keep the eye stable during surgery
2. Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK)
- Replaces only the innermost layers (endothelium and Descemet’s membrane)
- Healthy donor layers are inserted under your remaining corneal tissue
- A small gas bubble helps the new tissue attach securely
After the Surgery
- Corneal transplants are usually outpatient procedures — you go home the same day.
- You may have blurred vision initially.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home.
- Follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor healing.
Recovery & Aftercare Tips
Healing can take up to a year, depending on the type of transplant. Your doctor may recommend:
- Avoiding rubbing or straining the eye
- Wearing an eye shield
- Using prescribed eye drops regularly
Following medical advice closely will help ensure the best possible outcome.
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