LiQD cornea: pro-regeneration collagen mimetics as patches and alternatives to corneal transplantation. Science Advances. Corneal transplantation in ocular surface disease. Updated by: Franklin W. Editorial team. Corneal transplant. For years, the most common type of corneal transplant was called penetrating keratoplasty.
It is still a frequently performed operation. During this procedure, your surgeon will remove a small round piece of your cornea. The donated tissue will then be sewn into the opening of your cornea. A newer technique is called lamellar keratoplasty. In this procedure, only the inner or outer layers of the cornea are replaced, rather than all the layers, as in penetrating keratoplasty. There are several different lamellar techniques.
They differ mostly on which layer is replaced and how the donor tissue is prepared. All lamellar procedures lead to faster recovery and fewer complications. Why the Procedure is Performed. A corneal transplant is recommended for people who have: Vision problems caused by thinning of the cornea, most often due to keratoconus.
A transplant may be considered when less invasive treatments are not an option. Scarring of the cornea from severe infections or injuries Vision loss caused by cloudiness of the cornea, most often due to Fuchs dystrophy. Other risks for a corneal transplant are: Bleeding Cataracts Infection of the eye Glaucoma high pressure in the eye that can cause vision loss Loss of vision Scarring of the eye Swelling of the cornea.
Before the Procedure. You will need to have someone drive you home after your surgery. Note: These are general guidelines. Most people who receive a cornea transplant will have their vision at least partially restored. What you can expect after your cornea transplant depends on the reason for your surgery and your health.
Your risk of complications and cornea rejection continues for years after your cornea transplant. For this reason, see your eye doctor annually. Cornea rejection can often be managed with medications. Your vision might initially be worse than before your surgery as your eye adjusts to the new cornea. It can take several months for your vision to improve. Once the outer layer of your cornea has healed — several weeks to several months after surgery — your eye doctor will work to make adjustments that can improve your vision, such as:.
Cornea transplant care at Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.
This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Full-thickness cornea transplant Open pop-up dialog box Close. Full-thickness cornea transplant During a full-thickness cornea transplant penetrating keratoplasty , a circular disk-shaped portion of your cornea is removed and replaced with a similarly sized portion of cornea from a donor. Anatomy of the eye Open pop-up dialog box Close.
Anatomy of the eye Your eye is a complex and compact structure measuring about 1 inch 2. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Corneal transplants.
National Eye Institute. Accessed Nov. Morrow ES. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic. Corneal transplantation. Mayo Clinic; Singh R, et al. Your diseased or damaged cornea is removed. Then the clear donor cornea is sewn into place. PK has a longer recovery period than other types of corneal transplants. Getting complete vision back after PK may take up to one year or longer. With a PK, there is a slightly higher risk than with other types of corneal transplants that the cornea will be rejected.
Sometimes the front and middle layers of the cornea are damaged. In this case, only those layers are removed. The endothelial layer, or the thin back layer , is kept in place. This transplant is called deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty DALK or partial thickness corneal transplant.
DALK is commonly used to treat keratoconus or bulging of the cornea. Healing time after DALK is shorter than after a full corneal transplant. There is also less risk of having the new cornea rejected.
This causes the cornea to swell, affecting your vision. Endothelial keratoplasty is a surgery to replace this layer of the cornea with healthy donor tissue. It is known as a partial transplant since only this inner layer of tissue is replaced. The damaged corneal layer is removed through a small incision. Then the new tissue is put in place. Just a few stitches—if any—are needed to close the incision.
Much of the cornea is left untouched. This lowers the risk of having the new cornea cells being rejected after surgery. Your ophthalmologist will talk with you about corneal transplant surgery.
You will discuss why you need this surgery, how it can help you see better, and what you can expect during and after surgery. Once you decide to have a corneal transplant, a date will be chosen for surgery. That date may change if a good donor cornea is not ready for you at that time.
Tell your ophthalmologist about all the medicines you take. He or she will tell you if you can keep taking them before surgery. You may need to stop using blood thinners before surgery. You may need to visit your primary care doctor for a physical exam and perhaps other tests. This is to make sure you are healthy enough to have the transplant surgery. You will not be able to drive after the transplant surgery.
You should make arrangements for someone to drive you home after surgery. The stitches from surgery may or may not need to be removed.
This depends on how quickly you heal, the health of your eye, and the type of stitches used. Call your ophthalmologist if you have concerns or questions about how to care for yourself at home. Depending on the type of transplant you had and how your eye heals, it can take a year or more to fully recover from this surgery. Rejection is a problem for up to 3 out of 10 people who have a full thickness transplant PK. The risk is lower with partial thickness surgeries.
0コメント