Cornea Transplant

Cornea Transplant

Cornea transplants are one of the most commonly performed transplant surgeries and eye surgeries.

The cornea is the dome-shaped lens at the front of the eye. The cornea is responsible for 2/3 of the eyes light and image focusing. Damage to the cornea, caused by injury or disease is repaired with a cornea transplant that replaces the damaged corneal tissue with donor tissue. 

Cornea damage causes light to be refracted or scattered causing blurred vision. Corneal transplants, medically known as keratoplasty, are the only treatment for damaged corneas. 

Cornea Transplant Procedure

The first stage to a cornea transplant is locating donor cornea tissue. The patients name is placed on a waiting list and when a match becomes available the patient is notified. The waiting list for cornea transplants is shorter than for any other form of transplant as there are few limitations as to who can donate corneal tissue. 

Once a donor cornea has been found, the patient will travel to the hospital where an anaesthetic will be given to numb the eye and the surrounding area. 

The eye is held open and the surgeon removes a circular disc from the damaged cornea. An identically shaped and sized piece of the donated cornea is then inserted. The donor corneal disc is secured with sutred and a patch is placed to protect the eye.

Any additional eye surgery needed, such as cataract surgery, is completed before the donor cornea tissue is sutred in place. 

Results of cornea transplant

After cornea transplant surgery it can take up to one year to see a complete improvement in vision as the donated cornea tissue takes time to settle into place. 

Two-three months post-surgery vision may be impaired as the eye adjusts to the new tissue. During this time it is important patients are aware of the signs of cornea transplant rejection.

In most patients, vision will start to improve two-three months post surgery however it is likely the patient will require prescription contact lenses or glasses after surgery as the new cornea will not 100% match the shape and curvature of the natural cornea.

Risks of cornea transplant

The risks of cornea transplant are low and most patients experience no problems. There is always a risk that the body will reject the transplant and patients should be aware of the following RSVP signs that a cornea transplant is being rejected:

R - redness

S - sensitivity (to light)

V -vision deterioration

P - pain