|
LIST OF SERVICES & PROCEDURES
Corneal Transplants
The cornea is the clear front window of the eye. It transmits light to the
interior of the eye allowing us to see clearly. Corneal injury,
disease, or hereditary conditions can cause clouding, distortion,
and scarring. Corneal clouding, much like frost on a glass windowpane,
blocks the clear passage of light to the back of the eye, reducing
sight sometimes even to the point of blindness. In addition, corneal
injury and disease can be painful, sometimes the most intense pain
we can experience.
Ophthalmologists perform more than 40,000 corneal transplants
each year in the United States. Of all transplant surgery done
today - including hearts, lungs and kidneys - corneal transplants
are by far the most common and successful. The cornea is the clear
front of the eye that covers the colored iris and the round pupil.
Light is focused while passing through the cornea so we can see.
To stay clear the cornea must be healthy.
 If
the cornea is damaged it may become swollen or scarred. In either
case, its smoothness and clarity may be lost. The scars, swelling
or an irregular shape cause the cornea to scatter or distort light,
resulting in glare or blurred vision.
Surgery is often done on an outpatient basis. The operation
is painless. Anesthesia is either local or general, depending
on your age, medical condition and eye disease. You will not see
the surgery while it is happening, and will not have to worry
about keeping your eye open or closed. In corneal transplant surgery,
the damaged cornea is removed, and a clear donor cornea is sewn
into place.
When the operation is over, the ophthalmologist will usually
place a shield over your eye. If you are an outpatient, you may
go home after a short stay in the recovery area. You should plan
to have someone else drive you home. An examination at the doctor's
office will be scheduled for the following day. Your ophthalmologist
will decide when to remove the stitches, depending upon the health
of the eye and rate of healing. Usually, it will be several months,
at least, before stitches are removed.
 |
Corneal transplants are rejected 5% to 30%
of the time. The rejected cornea clouds and vision deteriorates.
Most rejections, if treated promptly, can be stopped with
minimal injury. Warning signs of rejection are: persistent
discomfort; light sensitivity; redness; change in vision.
Any of these symptoms should be reported to your ophthalmologist
promptly.
|
A successful corneal transplant requires care and attention
on the part of both patient and physician. However, no other surgery
has so much to offer when the cornea is deeply scarred or swollen.
The vast majority of people who undergo corneal transplants are
happy with their improved vision. Of course, corneal transplant
surgery would not be possible without the hundreds of thousands
of generous donors and their families who have donated corneal
tissue so that others may see.
|
For more information on the services and procedures we provide, please select from the list
below.
|
|
|
|
 |
