Jul 10th 2020
Posted by Accuspire
Things To Know Before Corneal Transplant
The ophthalmologist will inform you when the corneal transplant surgery is about to happen. You have to discuss with him if you have any doubt and how it will help you for a clear vision. The chosen date for your surgery can be changed if the donor cornea is not available for the specific date. One has to inform his surgeon if he is taking any medication and whether to continue it or not as it can cause any side effects.
Visit your primary care doctor for a full body checkup to know whether you are healthy enough for the transplant and also avoid taking blood thinners. One cannot also drive home after a transplant and so, it is important to take a driver or someone with you.
Transplant day:
Corneal transplant is done as an outpatient procedure and there are some things to be noted. Before the surgery eye drops are put in eyes to make the person relax. Local anesthesia is used before the surgery and a speculum is used to keep the eyes open for surgery. The patient cannot see anything because of the anesthesia.
According to the need, the corneal transplantation is done. A circular part of cornea is removed and replaced with apportion of donor cornea and stitched. In other cases, only a thin cell layer from the front part of cornea is removed and replaced with a donor tissue. While in some other cases, only the damaged inner layer is replaced with a healthy donor tissue on the back of cornea. The new cell layer is kept in place with the help of an air bubble to make it heal properly.
Sometimes cataract is done in addition with transplantation. After the surgery is complete, a tape shield is kept over the eyes for protection.
