- About the Surgery
- Preparing for Surgery
- Risks
- Clinic Information
- Complete List of Surgical Procedures at Kellogg
About Corneal Transplant Surgery
The cornea is the clear front window of the eye. The cornea focuses light onto the retina, which is at the back of the eye. If the cornea is damaged it may become swollen or scarred. Scars, swelling or an irregular shape cause the cornea to scatter or distort light, which will result in glare or blurred vision.
A corneal transplant may be needed when vision cannot be corrected satisfactorily using other procedures, or if painful swelling cannot be relieved by medications or special contact lenses. The following conditions may require corneal transplant: corneal failure after other eye surgery; keratoconus; hereditary corneal failure; corneal dystrophies; scarring after infections; rejection after the first corneal transplant; or scarring after other eye surgery.
Of all the transplant surgery done today (hearts, lungs, kidneys, etc.) corneal transplants are by far the most common and successful.
Preparing for Surgery
Surgery is usually done with local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. You may be asked to skip breakfast, depending on the time of your surgery. Once you arrive at the U-M Kellogg Eye Center, you will be given eye drops and sometimes medications to help you relax.
Before Surgery
Once you and your ophthalmologist decide you need a corneal transplant, your name is put on a list at the local eye bank. Usually the wait for a donor cornea is short. Most eye banks are able to provide tissue for transplant surgery scheduled in advance for a specific day.
Before a donor cornea is released for transplant, the eye bank tests the human donor for the viruses that cause hepatitis and AIDS. The cornea is then carefully checked for visual clarity. Your ophthalmologist may request that you have a physical examination and other special tests prior to surgery. If you usually take medications, ask your ophthalmologist if you should continue them.
During Surgery
The operation is painless. Anesthesia is either local or general, depending on your age, medical condition, and eye disease. You will not see the surgery while it is happening, and you will not have to worry about keeping your eye open or closed.
After the anesthetic has taken effect, the eyelids are gently opened. Looking through a surgical microscope, your ophthalmologist will measure the eye to determine the size of the corneal transplant. The diseased or injured cornea is carefully removed from the eye. Any necessary additional work within the eye, such as removal of a cataract, is completed. Then the clear donor cornea is sewn into place. When the operation is over, the ophthalmologist will usually place a shield over the eye that has just received the transplanted cornea.
After Surgery
If you are an outpatient, you may go home after a short stay in the recovery area. You should plan to have someone else drive you home.
Follow-Up
Following your surgery, you will need to:
- Use the eye drops as prescribed;
- Be careful not to rub or press on your eye;
- Use over-the-counter pain medicine if necessary;
- Continue normal daily activities and moderate exercise;
- Ask your doctor when you can begin driving;
- Wear eyeglasses or an eye shield if advised by your doctor.
- Several postoperative visits are needed to check on the progress of the eye as it heals.
