When to Consider a Corneal Transplant
More than 40,000 cornea transplants are performed each year. Since our vision plays such a crucial role in what the brain processes, it is important that our eyes always perform their very best. The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye, the clear surface covers the colored iris and the round pupil in a person’s eye. The purpose of a cornea is to focus the light that comes into our eyes so we can see clearly. To do this effectively, the corneas must be clear and cloud-free. When a person experiences blurred vision or even blindness, a corneal transplant can restore the vision of the eye when conservative methods of improvement fail.
A Corneal transplant, also known as keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure that restores part of the cornea with corneal tissue from a donor. A cornea transplant restores vision, reduces pain and improves the appearance of a damaged or diseased cornea. The staff at Advanced Eye Medical Group will remove about two-thirds of the damaged cornea and replace it with a clear and healthy donor cornea grafted on to the eye. Nylon sutures are applied to secure the new cornea and antibiotics prevent infection. After a few months the patient will see clear and be clean of any cloudiness.
According to Eye Care America, a corneal transplant is needed after prescription glasses or contacts cannot correct the corneal issues and when painful swelling develops. Conditions causing the need for corneal transplant include: corneal failure after previous eye surgery, a steep curve of the cornea develops, hereditary corneal failure and scarring after infections or injury. A corneal transplant will decimate all these conditions and restore proper vision to the eyes.
Benefits of a Corneal Transplant
Patients who receive a corneal transplant achieve the results they are after. The relief from the pain and discomfort is what every patient desires, and the pain disappears after the procedure is done.
Infections and disease in the cornea make vision blurry and can lead to blindness if left untreated. Immediate repair is necessary for the cornea and improves the patient’s vision.
When the cornea is damaged by injury, it becomes swollen or scarred. As a result, light that enters the eye is distorted and reduces vision. After a corneal transplant the patient will be cured of swelling and scars.
In hereditary cases, the patient has no way of escaping corneal infection, but a transplant can improve their vision and restore confidence in themselves.
When to See a Corneal Transplant Surgeon
As the individual’s eyesight continues to disrupt them from driving, working or reading that is a sign for necessary treatment. Excessive pain and discomfort should not occur in healthy corneas, especially after conservative measures have been applied. If surgery does not pose a concern to a patient’s health then a corneal transplant is the answer.
The cornea must remain clear in order for an individual to see from each eye. When light becomes distorted from an injury or disease the cornea needs to be replaced. Corneal transplant surgery at the Advanced Eye Medical Group can heal the pain and restore clear vision. Scarring, thinness and inherited conditions are likely to damage your corneas, but you do not have to live with poor vision forever. Ask your doctor if corneal transplant surgery is right for you. You will improve your vision and get your life back when you get a corneal transplant.