How Is a Cornea Transplant Done?
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The Cornea
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The cornea is a dime-sized piece of tissue at the front of the eye that covers the iris and pupil and, along with the lens, helps the eye focus. The cornea is usually clear, but due to disease or damage it can be scarred or become opaque resulting in poor vision or blindness. The first step in treating cornea conditions is medication. If medication is not effective, the cornea can be removed and replaced with a donated human cornea. This has become a common procedure and cornea transplants are the most common transplant operations done in the United States, according to the Cornea Genetic Eye Institute.
Transplant Surgery
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When you need a cornea transplant, your name will be put on a list with a local eye bank. Unlike other transplant operations, the wait for a donated cornea is usually short. Your damaged cornea will be carefully measured before surgery and the donor cornea will be custom fit to your eye.
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Cornea transplants are usually done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and take about an hour. General anesthesia can be used depending on your age, health and desire to be asleep during the procedure. With general anesthesia, you will get an injection in the skin around your eye to control blinking and eye movement during the surgery. Eye drops will be used to numb the eye. After administering the anesthesia, the surgeon will remove the central portion of your cornea with a trephine, which is a small circular surgical instrument that works like a cookie cutter. Next, the donated cornea will be sewn into place with very fine thread. These stitches will remain in your eye until it completely heals, which can be from six months to two years.
After Surgery
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An eye patch and shield will be placed over your eye to protect it before you go home. The day after surgery, you will have a follow-up visit with your doctor and the shield will be removed. For up to six months after surgery, you will use antibiotic eye drops to help promote healing and immunosuppressive drugs to keep your body from rejecting the new cornea. It is normal for your vision to be blurry for up to six months after the operation.
Considerations
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With all transplant surgeries, there is the possibility of rejection. The rejection rate for corneal transplants ranges from 5 to 30 percent based on a number of factors, including the overall health of your eye and if you have had a previous cornea transplant. Also, nearsightedness and farsightedness are common after surgery and you will need to wear contacts or glasses following the transplant.
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