Corneal Transplant

The cornea is the clear outer lens on the front of the eye. Corneal transplants are typically recommended for people who have:

• Vision problems caused by thinning of the cornea (usually due to keratoconus) when less invasive treatments are not an option.
  
• Scarring of the cornea (from severe infections or injuries)
  
• Vision loss caused by cloudiness of the cornea (usually due to Fuchs Dystrophy)

A corneal transplant (or corneal graft) is surgery to replace the cornea with tissue from a donor. It is one of the most common transplants performed.

There are several types of corneal transplants, the traditional technique is called "penetrating keratoplasty". During this procedure a small round piece of your cornea is removed. The donated cornea is then sewn into the opening of your cornea.

Recently an alternative technique called Lamellar Keratoplasty has increased in popularity due to advances in instrumentation. In this technique, only the inner or outer layers of the cornea are replaced, rather than all the layers.

You will probably be awake for the surgery, although you will receive medications to block pain and assist the operation.

• You will probably be able to go home the same day as the surgery.
  
• Prof Watson will prescribe eye drops to help your eye heal and prevent infection and rejection.
  
• You will require followup visits with Prof Watson, the initial visit will be the day following your surgery
  
• Your stitches will most likely be removed at a followup visit, although some patients will not require this step
  
• The timing of a full recovery will differ by patient, Prof Watson will be able to guide you here.