Corneal transplant
Definition
 |
The cornea is the clear surface on the front of the eye. A corneal transplant is surgery to replace the cornea with tissue from a donor. It is one of the most common transplants done.
Alternative Names
Keratoplasty; Penetrating keratoplasty
Description
You will probably be awake during the transplant. Local anesthesia (numbing medicine) will be injected into your eye to block pain. You may receive a sedative to help you relax.
The tissue for your corneal transplant will come from a person who has died recently who agreed to donate their tissue.
The most common type of corneal transplant is called "penetrating keratoplasty." During this procedure, your surgeon will remove a small round piece of your cornea. Then your surgeon will sew the donated cornea onto the opening of your eye. Your doctor will remove the stitches at a follow-up visit.
Risks
Sometimes, the body rejects the transplanted tissue. This occurs in a small number of patients.
Other risks for a corneal transplant are:
- Bleeding
- Infection of the eye
- Glaucoma (high pressure in the eye that can cause vision loss)
- Swelling of the front of the eye
The risks for any anesthesia are:
- Allergic reactions to medicines
- Breathing problems
Reviewed By: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle , WA . Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
 |
Link to Page |  |
Print Page |  |
Email Page |
