The cornea is the transparent outer lens that covers the front of the eye. A corneal transplant is a surgical procedure that replaces the cornea with donor tissue. It is one of the most commonly performed transplants.
When You’re in the Hospital
You received a corneal transplant. There are two approaches to this.
- Most of the tissue in your cornea (the clear surface on the front of your eye) was replaced with tissue from a donor in one (penetrating or PK). A small round piece of your cornea was removed during your surgery. The donated cornea was then sewn onto your eye’s opening.
- Only the inner layers of the cornea are transplanted in the other procedure (lamellar or DSEK). This method of recovery is frequently faster.
Numbing medication was injected into the area around your eye to keep you comfortable during surgery. You might have taken a sedative to relax.
At Home, What to Expect
If you had a PK, the first stage of recovery will take approximately 3 weeks. Following that, you will most likely require contact lenses or glasses. During the first year following your transplant, these may need to be changed or adjusted several times.
Visual recovery is often faster after a DSEK, and you may even be able to use your old glasses.
Self-care
Do not rub or touch your eyes.
If you had a PK, your doctor most likely put a patch over your eye at the end of the procedure. You can remove the patch the next morning, but you will most likely need an eye shield to sleep. This shields the new cornea from harm. During the day, you should probably wear dark sunglasses.
If you have a DSEK, you will most likely not have a patch or shield after the first day. Sunglasses will continue to be useful.
For at least 24 hours after surgery, you should not drive, operate machinery, consume alcohol, or make any major decisions. It will take this long for the sedative to wear off completely. It may make you sleepy and unable to think clearly before it does.
Climbing a ladder or dancing are examples of activities that could cause you to fall or increase pressure on your eye. Heavy lifting should be avoided. Avoid doing anything that causes your head to be lower than the rest of your body. Sleeping with your upper body elevated by a couple pillows may help. Keep away from blowing sand and dust.
When using eye drops, carefully follow your doctor’s instructions. The drops aid in infection prevention. They also aid in the prevention of your body rejecting your new cornea.
As directed, follow up with your doctor. You may need stitches removed, and your doctor will examine your healing and vision.
When to Consult a Doctor
If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your Doctor:
- Vision impairment
- Light flashes or floaters in your vision
- Sensitivity to light (sunlight or bright lights hurt your eye)
- Increased redness in your eyes
- Eye ache
Determine whether cataract surgery is right for you. To schedule a consultation, please call or visit Dr. Kamdar Eye Hospital.
Dr Kamdar Eye Hospital’s doctors are experts in LASIK, cataract, cornea, retina, and glaucoma treatments.
The hospital has cutting-edge medical facilities and the most experienced ophthalmologists. Our aim is to assist you in realising your best vision.
For more information or to make an appointment with a consultant, please call or visit Dr. Kamdar Eye Hospital.