Corneal Transplant- Medicana Health Group

What is a corneal transplant?

Corneal transplantation, also known as corneal grafting, removes damaged or diseased corneal tissue and replaces it with healthy corneal tissue. The cornea is a transparent tissue located at the front of the eye and is essential for visual function. Corneal diseases can occur due to inflammation, degeneration, or trauma to the cornea.
Corneal transplantation is used to treat severe corneal damage that can lead to vision loss or blindness. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, and the transplanted corneal tissue is typically obtained from a donor. A successful operation and appropriate recovery process can help patients regain their visual function.

When is Corneal Transplantation Necessary?

Corneal transplantation may be necessary due to various corneal diseases or injuries. Some of these are:

Keratoconus: This disease causes the cornea to thin and take on a cone shape. In advanced cases of keratoconus, corneal transplantation may be the only option.
Corneal injuries: Trauma can cause injuries to the cornea. When these injuries cause irreversible damage to the cornea, they can be treated with corneal transplantation.
Corneal infections: Some corneal infections can cause damage to the cornea and lead to severe vision loss. Corneal transplantation can be an option for removing and replacing infected corneal tissue with healthy corneal tissue.
Corneal degeneration: Aging or degeneration of the cornea can cause it to lose its transparency and lead to visual impairment. Corneal transplantation can also be a treatment option in this case.
Corneal dystrophies: Corneal dystrophies are inherited cornea diseases that can cause the cornea to lose its transparency and lead to vision loss. Corneal transplantation is a treatment option in this case.

Corneal transplantation may be necessary to prevent serious consequences such as vision loss or blindness. However, corneal transplantation may not always be an appropriate treatment option in every case, and always consulting an eye doctor is essential.

What are the critical factors in Cornea Transplantation?

The cornea is a transparent tissue covering the eye's front surface and providing 70% of the visual information. Maintaining a healthy cornea is crucial for eye health. The critical factors in cornea transplantation include:

Patient Age: For cornea transplantation, younger patients are preferred as older patients have lower corneal regeneration capacity, which can result in transplant failure.
Corneal Damage: Cornea transplantation is performed in cases where the cornea is severely damaged due to trauma, infection, or other factors. The extent of damage can affect the success of the transplantation.
Type of Cornea Transplantation: Cornea transplantation can be performed as complete or partial-thickness corneal transplantation or endothelial transplantation. The type of transplantation can affect the success and recovery process.
Compatibility between Recipient and Donor: Compatibility between the recipient and donor is essential for cornea transplantation. The donor cornea must be compatible with the recipient's cornea. Incompatibility can lead to transplant rejection.
General Health of the Patient: Cornea transplantation is generally performed on healthy individuals. Patients with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems may have a lower success rate.
Surgical Technique: The surgical technique used for cornea transplantation can significantly affect the success of the transplantation. Proper surgical procedures and appropriate surgical equipment can improve the success rate.
Follow-up and Treatment: The follow-up and treatment process after cornea transplantation is essential. The recipient should be regularly monitored and receive necessary treatments. Additionally, appropriate medication should be used to reduce the risk of infection after transplantation.