Why is this procedure done?
The cornea is the clear part on the front of the eye. It covers the colored part of the eye and the pupil. It keeps the front of the eyes safe. The cornea filters light going into the eye. This helps you see better. This surgery may be done if your cornea has: ‚
- Scarring from infections or injuries
- Cloudiness
- Thinning
- Problems after eye surgery or a previous transplant
The new cornea will come from a human donor who died. ‚
View OriginalView Original
What will the results be?
You will have a new cornea. Your problems with eyesight will improve. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an eye exam.
- You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, you will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. The staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs.
- Sometimes, the doctor will give you a special drug to make you numb for the surgery. Other times, you are completely asleep.
- Your doctor will clean your eyelids. Your doctor will open your eyelids using a special tool called a retractor.
- Your doctor will cut the center of your cornea and remove it. Your doctor will also cut the donor cornea and place it in your eye. Your doctor will stitch the donor cornea in place.
- Your doctor will put a patch over your eye after the procedure.
- The procedure takes about 35 minutes to 1 hour.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. You may go home after the surgery. You may have to stay in the hospital overnight.
- When the anesthesia wears off, you may feel some pain. Your doctor will give you drugs for pain relief.
- Your eye may be red and tears may flow freely. This will go away after a few days.
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Your doctor will give drugs to help your eye accept the new cornea. You will also have eyedrops. Use them as directed by your doctor.
- Keep your eye patch on for 4 days or until your doctor says so. Change the patch when it gets soaked or when needed. You will be able to take it off to give eye drops or to wash your eye gently.
- Avoid touching your eyes. When your eye feels itchy, you may use a clean damp washcloth to gently wipe the itchy eye.
- Avoid putting pressure on your eyes. Sleep on the side that you did not have surgery on.
- Talk to your doctor before wearing contact lenses.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your condition needs close watching. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may want to check your eyesight in a couple of weeks.
- Your doctor will set up a visit after 3 months or more to remove the stitches.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Your doctor may give you protective glasses or goggles. You need to wear these for a few months to prevent dust and germs from getting into your eyes. It will also keep your eyes from getting dry.
- Your doctor may give you special glasses that you will wear while you sleep. Put them next to your bed to help you remember to use them.
- You need to stay away from contact sports until your cornea heals fully. This may take 3 to 6 months.
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Eyesight problems
- Transplant rejection
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of rejection. These include redness, sensitivity, foggy or cloudy eyesight, and pain or a feeling like a speck of sand is inside your eye.
- Signs of infection. These include fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher; chills; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge; severe itchiness; excessive tearing of your eyes.
- Cloudy eyesight
- Seeing floating spots even after cleaning the eye
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Ophthalmology ‚
http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/corneal-transplant.cfm ‚
National Keratoconus Foundation ‚
http://www.nkcf.org/about-keratoconus/ ‚
The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology ‚
http://www.eyecareamerica.org/eyecare/treatment/corneal-transplant/index.cfm ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚