Corneal transplant
Normal anatomy |
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The cornea is the clear covering of the eye over the colored iris and the pupil.
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Indications |
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Corneal transplantation is recommended for:
- Severe corneal infection, injury, damage, or scarring
- Corneas that no longer allow light to pass through (opaque), often secondary to lens surgery (see cataract surgery), infections, and inherited diseases of the cornea
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Incision |
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Corneal transplant is done with the patient awake and pain-free (local anesthesia). An incision is made around the outer edge of the cornea.
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Procedure |
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The damaged cornea is removed and the corneal graft is stitched in place. The corneal graft is a transplant from a brain dead donor maintained on life support.
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Aftercare |
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Transplanted corneas have a long life expectancy. The benefits of corneal transplant are significant, and include significant improvement in vision.
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Review Date:
8/22/2022
Reviewed By:
Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. |
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