Sierra Nicolas

Martinez Wilson

Martinez Maria Ines

TRANSPLANT OF CORNEA

Transplant of CorneaDefinition :

In corneal transplant, also known as keratoplasty, a patient's damaged cornea is replaced by the cornea from the eye of a human cadaver. This is the most common type of human transplant surgery and has the highest success rate. Eye banks acquire and store eyes from donors to supply the need for transplant corneas.

DescriptionThe cornea is the transparent layer of tissue at the front of the eye. It is composed almost entirely of a special type of collagen. It normally contains no blood vessels, but because it contains nerve endings, cornea damage can be very painful.

 

Corneal transplant is used when:

*vision is lost because the cornea has been damaged by disease or traumatic injury.

*tissue growth on the cornea (pterygium) *a skin disorder that can affect the eyes.

*some of these conditions cause cloudiness of the cornea; others alter its natural curvature, which also can reduce vision quality.

Preparation

Surgeons may discuss the need for corneal transplants after other viable options to remedy corneal trauma or disease. No special preparation for corneal transplant is needed. Some ophthalmologists may request that the patient have a complete physical examination before surgery. Any active eye infection or eye inflammation usually needs to be brought under control before surgery. The patient may also be asked to skip breakfast on the day of surgery.

Transplant

In a corneal transplant, the eye is held open with a speculum . A laser is used to make an initial cut in the existing cornea. The surgeon uses scissors to remove it, and a donor cornea is placed in the patient cornea, a disc of tissue is removed from the center of the eye and replaced by a corresponding disc from a donor eye. The circular incision is made using an instrument called a trephine, which resembles a cookie cutter.

Risks:Corneal transplants are highly successful, with over 90% of the operations in United States achieving restoration of sight. However, there is always some risk associated with any surgery. Complications that can occur include infection, glaucoma, retinal detachment, cataract formation, and rejection.

Aftercare

Corneal transplant is often performed on an outpatient basis, although some patients need brief hospitalization after surgery. The patient will wear an eye patch at least overnight. An eye shield or glasses must be worn to protect the eye until the surgical wound has healed. Eye drops will be prescribed for the patient to use for several weeks after surgery. Some patients require medication for at least a year. These drops include antibiotics to prevent infection as well as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and prevent graft rejection.

Deseased cornea

* If the transplant is successful, how long will it be until vision is restored?

Transplanted cornea

*Are there any alternatives that might restore my vision?

THE END.