Corneal transplantation – Keratoplasty

Description keratoplasty

Keratoplasty – surgical procedure, performed, to replace diseased or damaged portion of the cornea healthy. Cornea – a transparent outer shell front of the eye. The operation is performed ophthalmologist – doctor, who specializes in treating vision problems.

Reasons for keratoplasty

Corneal transplantation can solve problems with vision, caused by infections, injury or illness. It is often recommended for keratoplasty following purposes:

• Keratoconus – corneal thinning, which causes blurred vision;;
• The scars of the cornea from infection or injury;
• Aglia.

Most people, which are prepared corneal transplant improved vision for many years or even a lifetime. To stabilize after surgery can take up to a year.

Most patients after surgery will need to use glasses or contact lenses.

Possible complications after keratoplasty

The procedure is highly successful, serious complications are rare. If you plan to transplant corneas, the doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

• Rejection of the new cornea, when the immune system attacks the new tissue, damaging it;
• Glaucoma – disease, caused by increased pressure inside the eye;
• Issues focus the eyes;
• The tumor, or retinal detachment. Retina – part of the eye, which catches the light, It sends the image to the brain via the optic nerve (detachment occurs, when the retina is lifted or displaced from its normal position);
• Cataracts – cataract eye leads to reduction of;
• Infection;
• Bleeding.

This operation is most successful for patients, which have the following problems:

• Keratoconus;
• The scars of the cornea.

The smaller the chance of complete recovery of those, who have corneal infection and severe eye injury, such as chemical burns.

How is corneal transplantation?

Preparation for the procedure

The ophthalmologist may do the following:

• Perform a visual inspection;
• Order blood tests.

Before the procedure:

• Talk to your doctor about taking any medications. You may be asked to stop taking certain medicines a week before the procedure,:
  • Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel or warfarin;
• Arrange a ride home after the procedure;
• Organize home care after the procedure;
• Use eye drops prescribed, in accordance with the ophthalmologist;
• On the day of the operation do not eat or drink after midnight (If your doctor is not allowed).

Anesthesia

Depending on the complexity of the operation, may be used:

• Local anesthesia (It used most often) – It will anesthetize the area of ​​surgery;
• General anesthesia – during the operation, the patient will sleep.

Description of the procedure

The procedure will be done under a surgical microscope. The damaged part of the cornea is cut. Then the new cornea will be placed on the vacant place. The new cornea will be fastened to the eye tissue with very fine stitches.

There is a new method, descemetovaâ called endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK). DSEK used for some types of corneal transplantation. With this method, the recovery and improvement of vision is much faster. When using this method, the doctor removes a much smaller part of the cornea, compared with the traditional procedure.

How long will keratoplasty?

Duration of treatment 1-2 o'clock.

Will it hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. Within a few days after the procedure may feel a little pain. Doctor will prescribe pain medication to reduce discomfort.

The average time of stay in the hospital after keratoplasty

You can go home a few hours after the operation.

Caring for the patient after keratoplasty

Home Care

After discharge from the hospital, you should rest the remainder of the day. When you return home after the procedure, follow these steps:, to ensure the normal recovery:

• Continue to wear the eye patch, until the doctor is allowed to take its;
• We need to use eye drops, as prescribed by your doctor;
• Wear sunglasses during the day, and a protective bandage, to protect your eyes at night;
• Protect your eye from accidental bumps;
• Do not rub or apply pressure to the eye;
• You can not swim, until it is allowed to physician;
• It is necessary to avoid contact sports;
• Do not drive, while the doctor did not give permission to do so;
• Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

The eyes should be checked several times during the following weeks and months. Stitches, usually, remain in place for several months.

Contact your doctor after keratoplasty

After returning home, you need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Vision problems, including blurred vision, floating, flashing lights, sensitivity to light, loss of peripheral vision;
• Severe redness of the eye;
• Severe eye pain;
• Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain;
• Nausea and vomiting.