Corneal Transplantation

Corneal transplantation, also known as corneal grafting or keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or diseased cornea (the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye) is replaced with a healthy cornea from a donor. This procedure is commonly performed to restore vision in individuals whose corneas are severely damaged by disease, injury, or degeneration. The goal of corneal transplantation is to improve visual function, alleviate pain, and enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by corneal disorders.

The cornea plays a vital role in vision as it focuses light entering the eye. Any condition that impairs its clarity, such as scarring, swelling, or thinning, can lead to blurred vision, discomfort, or even blindness. Corneal transplant surgery is one of the most frequently performed and successful types of organ transplant surgeries worldwide, offering high success rates and significant improvements in visual acuity.

There are several types of corneal transplantation, depending on the extent of the damage and the part of the cornea affected. These include penetrating keratoplasty (PK), where the full thickness of the cornea is replaced, and lamellar keratoplasty, which replaces only part of the cornea. The choice of procedure depends on the specific condition and needs of the patient.

The need for corneal transplantation arises from a variety of conditions that lead to corneal dysfunction. These conditions may cause clouding, scarring, or thinning of the cornea, impairing its ability to transmit light effectively. Below are the primary causes and risk factors associated with corneal transplantation:

Several diseases affect the structure of the cornea, leading to visual impairment and the need for a transplant. These include:

Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy: A hereditary condition that causes the cells in the innermost layer of the cornea to deteriorate, leading to swelling and scarring.

Keratoconus: A progressive thinning of the cornea that causes it to bulge outward, leading to irregular astigmatism and distorted vision.

Bullous Keratopathy: A condition where the corneal endothelial cells fail to pump excess fluid out of the cornea, causing fluid buildup, pain, and vision loss.