Cornea Graft Surgery

The cornea is a clear window at the front of the eye.

It’s very important for the cornea to remain clear to maintain good vision.

Disease, infection or injury can all affect the shape and clarity of the cornea, causing blurred vision.

Conditions affecting the cornea include:

• Keratitis: Inflammation of the cornea, often caused by infection
• Corneal ulcers: Open sores on the cornea, typically from infection or injury
• Keratoconus: Thinning and bulging of the cornea into a cone shape
• Fuchs' dystrophy: Inherited condition causing corneal swelling and vision loss
• Corneal dystrophies: Various inherited disorders affecting corneal structure

Glasses or hard contact lenses can often be used to help improve vision for patients with these conditions.

In more severe cases, a cornea transplant may be necessary, such as when the condition is progressive, or can’t be managed with glasses or contacts.

There are several types of corneal graft surgeries, each designed to address specific corneal issues.

Here's a concise overview of the main types:

1. Full-thickness corneal transplant (Penetrating Keratoplasty or PK): This is the traditional method where the entire cornea is replaced with donor tissue. It's like replacing the whole "window" of the eye.
2. Partial-thickness corneal transplant: These procedures replace only specific layers of the cornea, rather than the entire thickness. 
3. Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK): is primarily used to treat corneal endothelial dysfunction, such as Fuchs' dystrophy
4. Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK): These are like replacing just the back "glass" of the window.

During a corneal transplant, the doctor will replace your damaged cornea with a donated one.

How long it takes to recover from cornea transplant surgery will depend on the type of transplant you have.