What If I decide to have a corneal transplant?

- Before Surgery:

Once you and your ophthalmologist decide you need a corneal transplant, your name is put on a local waiting list. The waiting period is usually short. Before a cornea is delivered for transplant, the organ bank tests the human donor for viruses that cause Hepatitis and AIDS. Then, the clarity of the cornea is carefully checked. Your ophthalmologist may request you to have a physical examination and other special exams. If you usually take medications, ask your ophthalmologist if you should keep taking them.

- The day of surgery:

Often, surgery is done on outpatient basis. You can be asked to go on an empty stomach, depending on what time the surgery is. Once you arrive for surgery, you will be given eye drops and medication to help you get relaxed. The operation is painless. Anesthesia can be local or general, depending on your age, medical condition and eye disease. You will not watch the surgery while it is happening, and you will not have to worry about keeping your eye open or closed.

- The operation:

The eyelids are slightly open. Looking through a surgical microscope, the ophthalmologist measures the eye to determine the size of it for the corneal transplant. The damaged or diseased cornea is carefully removed from the eye. Any additional work required inside the eye, such as removing a cataract, is done. Then, the new and clear cornea is sewn into the right place. When the operation is completed, the ophthalmologist will place a protective bandage over your eye.

- After surgery

If you are an outpatient, you can go home after a short stay in the recovering area. You should plan to have another person drive you home. A test in the doctor’s office is scheduled for the following day. Your ophthalmologist will decide when to remove the stitches, depending on the state of the eye and how fast it is recovering. Usually, it will take several months at least, before the stitches are removed.


- What complications can occur?

- What complications can occur? 5% to 30% of the corneal transplants are rejected. The rejected cornea deteriorates and clouds the vision. Most rejections, if treated on time, can be stopped with minimal injury. The warning signs of rejections are:
- Persistent Discomfort;
- Sensitivity to light;
- Red eyes;
- Change in vision

WE ARE PERFORMING PENETRATING AND LAMINATING KERATOPLASTY (ENDOTHELIAL AND DEEP STROAL)
Any of these symptoms should be reported to your ophthalmologist immediately.. 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 done again, usually with good results, but possibilities of total rejection for transplants made a second time are higher than for the first time.