Cornea Transplantation

Cornea and Lasik Eye Surgeon Specialist & Opthalmologist in Dombivali

Cornea Transplantation treatment service by Dr. Vidya Bawkar - Cornea Specialist & Opthalmologist in Dombivali, Mumbai

Cornea Transplantation

Cornea transplantation, also known as corneal transplantation or keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced with healthy corneal tissue from a donor. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye that helps to focus light and provide clear vision.

Cornea transplantation may be recommended for people who have a damaged or diseased cornea that is causing vision loss or other problems. The most common indications for cornea transplantation include corneal scarring, corneal thinning, corneal dystrophies, and corneal edema.

During the procedure, the damaged or diseased cornea is carefully removed and replaced with healthy donor tissue. The transplantation is performed under local anesthesia, and the procedure typically takes several hours. After the surgery, the patient will need to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a period of time to allow the eye to heal.

Cornea transplantation can be an effective treatment for people with a damaged or diseased cornea. The success rate for cornea transplantation varies, but many people experience improved vision after the procedure. However, there are some risks associated with the surgery, including the possibility of rejection of the donor tissue, infection, or bleeding. It is important to discuss the risks and potential benefits of the procedure with an ophthalmologist before undergoing cornea transplantation.

Types of Cornea Transplantation are:

  • TKP- TKP, also known as temporary keratoprothesis, is a combined corneal and retinal surgery designed to treat advanced corneal and retinal diseases. Using the procedure, one can operate on an eye whose cornea has become cloudy despite the difficulty of doing so.
  • PKP- Penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), also known as a corneal transplant or corneal graft, is performed after the cornea is surgically removed. It is a surgical procedure in which damaged or diseased corneal tissue is removed and replaced with healthy tissue obtained from a donor cornea.
  • DALK- The DALK method involves only transplanting the donor's stroma, leaving the recipient Descemet's membrane and endothelium alone.
  • DSAEK- During a DSEK procedure, the surgeon removes Descemet's membrane as well as the endothelium's innermost layer. The section is then replaced with a delicate layer of healthy human corneal tissue. The new tissue is positioned in the cornea with the help of specialized tools. Sutures are not needed for the new tissue to heal.
  • DMEK- The DMEK procedure is a partial-thickness corneal transplant. It involves the selective removal of the patient's Descemet membrane and endothelium. The process is then followed by donor corneal endothelium and Descemet membrane transplantation without additional stromal tissue from the donor.