When would I need a corneal transplant?
You need clear, smooth, and healthy corneas to see well. But, certain conditions and problems can change corneal viability. Some reasons you might need a corneal transplant include:
- Corneal thinning from keratoconus or another condition
- Deteriorating corneal cells due to Fuchs’ dystrophy or another condition
- Chronic corneal swelling
- Recurrent corneal infections
- Non-healing corneal ulcers
- Corneal scarring from trauma or infection
- Corneal tears
If your cornea problems don’t improve with conservative treatment, a corneal transplant could be the next step.
What are the different types of corneal transplant surgery?
There are several forms of corneal transplant surgery, including:
Endothelial keratoplasty
Endothelial keratoplasty removes and replaces the inner layer of your cornea, the endothelium. A Descemet's stripping (automated) endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK or DSAEK) removes and replaces around 33% of the cornea. Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) involves a considerably thinner layer of donor tissue and is thus a more complex process.
Partial-thickness corneal transplant
A deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) is a partial thickness corneal transplant that leaves your endothelial cell layer but removes and replaces the front and center layers of corneal tissue. DALK is a common solution for corneal thinning due to keratoconus.
Full-thickness corneal transplant
A penetrating keratoplasty (PK) is a procedure to remove and replace your entire cornea. PK is sometimes best if you have extensive corneal damage.
The Marano Eye Care team explains the options and teams with you to plan a successful surgery.
Where does my new cornea come from in a corneal transplant?
Corneas come from human donors after death. Before the new cornea goes in your eye, it’s carefully cleaned and then strictly tested to ensure it’s completely healthy and safe for your eye.
Human corneas generally offer the best and most reliable results. But, in the rare cases of repeated failed corneal transplants, or if you’re not a good candidate for corneal transplant due to severe ocular surface disease or other reasons, an artificial cornea implant might be the best choice to save your eyesight.
Corneal transplant can be a life-changing procedure if you have vision loss or failing eyesight. The Marano Eye Care team is ready to explain corneal transplant surgery and how it can help you, so book your consultation online or call the office closest to you now.
