The cornea is the clear transparent window that
covers the front of the eye. The cornea can become
scarred after an infection or with various other
diseases or injuries. Once the cornea is scarred
in critical regions, vision can be devastated.
When this occurs, it may be necessary to complete
a cornea transplant to restore vision.
Corneal transplantation, also called a penetrating
keratoplasty, is the most commonly performed and
most successful transplant procedure. Compared
to many eye surgeries, vision recovery from corneal
transplantation is lengthy often requiring many
visits. Your vision will not improve immediately
after surgery. In fact, your vision may be worse
after surgery than it was before surgery. After
several months, your surgeon may start to remove
your sutures. Your vision will fluctuate during
this time. Most patients get their best vision
about one year after the transplant.
After a corneal transplantation, your eye may
start to reject the donor cornea. If you notice
severe redness, vision loss, pain, or sensitivity
to light, you need to contact your surgeon immediately.
You will have to use medication drops for several
months after your surgery. In some cases, you
might have to use eye drops indefinitely. |
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