What is the success rate of a cornea transplant?
From a blurry, clouded world to a bright, clear vision, cornea transplant surgery has brought hope and improved quality of life for countless individuals. With advancements in technology and surgical techniques, the success rates of cornea transplant surgery continue to soar, giving people the gift of sight. If you or a loved one are considering a cornea transplant, it could be a stressful time, but the good news is that cornea transplant surgeries could really be that beacon of hope that allows you to see again.
What is the success rate of a cornea transplant?
Cornea transplants have come a long way since 1905 when the first one was done successfully. Success rates are between 75-90% although are always improving as the science and technique are improved as well. That being said it is still possible for your body to reject the transplant. Additionally, it is likely that corrective lenses will still be needed. Some people find a full restoration while others see an improvement but not a complete clarity. It can take up to a year to have the body fully accept and adjust to this transplant.
Corneal transplants are not used to improve vision but rather to restore the normal anatomy and function of the eye. It will take time for your eyes to adjust and heal after the cornea transplant. Due to the avascular nature of the cornea, most corneal transplants are highly successful and last for many years. Some people may experience tissue rejection, in which case another transplant may be necessary.
Visual recovery varies depending on the severity of your corneal cloudiness prior to surgery. Recovery time can take anywhere between a couple of weeks to a couple of months for your eye to completely heal, without signs of redness or discomfort. However, this may also be dependent on the type of technique used during surgery.
Generally speaking, it is likely that you will need glasses post cornea surgery during recovery and beyond due to the fact that the donor cornea will not exactly match your original cornea’s curvature causing imperfect vision. It is possible to use special contact lenses as your doctor advises and it is also possible that you could be a candidate for laser vision correction to get closer to that 20/20 vision we all desire.
What is a cornea transplant surgery?
The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye and is clear. This layer can be damaged from accidents, infections, or even can be genetically faulty. This layer is there to help protect your eye from outside debris and helps you see things clearly. Through a cornea transplant surgery, your vision can improve significantly and has a high success rate. This surgery does require a donor cornea and thus there typically is a wait until one can become available.
The cornea transplant surgery removes part of your damaged cornea tissue and is then replaced with the donor’s cornea in the same size. Tiny cuts along the outer edge by a laser or a blade are specifically done to ensure the best possible healing process. Once the whole procedure is completed, your doctor will place bandages over your eye to ensure it is protected while healing. Follow up appointments are important to ensure everything is healing correctly.
Injuries or infections are common reasons that a doctor may be recommending a cornea transplant later on in life. Your cornea may suffer from these problems and potentially become thinner. Should this happen and your vision is deteriorating, a transplant could be something to consider.
You mentioned a donor cornea, where will my new cornea come from?
Regional facilities maintain tissue banks that include corneal tissue from individuals who have donated their corneas to medicine. The donor tissues are carefully inspected before surgery to make sure they are safe to use and appropriate for your eyes.
What are the different types of corneal transplants?
Endothelial keratoplasty replaces only the inner layer of your corneal tissue with donor tissue. A partial thickness corneal transplant replaces only the middle and outer layers. A penetrating keratoplasty (PK) replaces the full thickness of the corneal tissue.
Full thickness cornea surgery is the most extensive surgery however it is less common. A full thickness cornea surgery is needed when you have severe damage to the cornea and need all of the layers of your cornea replaced. The medical term for this surgery is penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Typically we find that it takes just a few days of needing an eye patch and once removed often people experience blurry vision in that eye. Most people find within 6-12 weeks their eyes have adjusted to the new cornea and their vision has improved.
Partial thickness cornea surgery is when you need to replace only the innermost layer of the cornea. This is known as DSAEK, which stands for decimates stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty. DSAEK is a relatively new surgical technique that affords significant improvements over traditional corneal transplants for certain indications. Your vision will be quite blurry for the first few weeks after surgery as the new cornea is healing. Most patients notice improvement in their vision during the first two weeks after surgery, with continued improvement during the next four to six weeks.
Pterygium surgery is a procedure performed to remove noncancerous conjunctiva growths (pterygia) from the eye. The conjunctiva make up the clear tissue covering the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. The pterygium surgical procedure is fairly quick and low risk. We will remove the pterygium along with some associated conjunctiva tissue. Once the pterygium is removed, we will replace it with a graft of associated membrane tissue to prevent recurrent pterygium growths. Recovery time can take anywhere between a couple of weeks to a couple of months for your eye to completely heal, without signs of redness or discomfort.
Is corneal surgery painful?
For all three types of corneal surgery, your doctor will numb your eye with drops or an injection near the eye. Your doctor may also give you a medication to relax including the potential for either local or general anesthesia to prevent any pain occurring during the surgery. This allows you to be relaxed and comfortable while allowing the doctor to focus on the precise work needing to be done. In most cases, you will not need stitches to close the incisions. The so-called self-sealing incisions will close on their own in time. Your surgeon will place a shield over your eye to protect it during the healing process.
During the healing process, you may find some discomfort in the area, however there should not be severe pain. It is normal to experience some redness that could last for a few weeks. It’s also common to notice some blurriness during recovery. You may be prescribed specific eye drops to use during this time to help the eye heal and adjust to this new cornea. It is important to be extra carful around this eye during your recovery time to ensure no complications arise.
If you find that you are having more severe discomfort post corneal surgery, it is important to alert your doctor right away. Avoid assuming home remedies or rubbing of the eye will help and seek advice from your doctor. They will give you specific instructions and guidelines on how to best let your eye heal.
In conclusion, cornea transplant surgery has been a game-changer for many who have suffered from corneal blindness. The success rates, combined with improved technology and surgical techniques, have given people a new lease on life and the ability to see the world in a whole new light. If you or someone you know is struggling with corneal blindness, know that there is hope. Don't wait any longer to take the first step towards clearer vision. Contact one of our Central Florida Perich Eye Centers today to schedule a consultation and see how a cornea transplant surgery can change your life forever.
