Corneal Transplant in Boca Raton, FL

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  1. What is a Corneal Transplant?
  2. Preparation for Corneal Transplant
  3. The Corneal Transplant Procedure
  4. Corneal Transplant Recovery
  5. Corneal Transplant FAQs
  6. Schedule Your Free Consultation Today

What is a Corneal Transplant?

The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped surface of the eye where light enters. It plays a large role in your eye’s ability to see clearly. A corneal transplantation is a surgical procedure to replace part of your cornea with donor corneal tissue and restore vision, improve the appearance of a damaged cornea, or reduce pain.

There are a number of conditions that can be treated with a corneal transplant, including:

  • Keratoconus.
  • Fuchs’ dystrophy.
  • Cornea scarring caused by injury of infection.
  • Thinning or tearing of the cornea.
  • Corneal ulcers.
  • Swelling of the cornea.
  • Complications due to previous eye surgery.

Preparation for Corneal Transplant

Before your cornea transplant surgery, you will need to undergo a comprehensive eye exam to asses the damaged or diseased cornea. This allows Dr. Gupta to look for any conditions that might cause complications after surgery and take measurements of your eye to determine what size of donated cornea is needed. You may also be asked to temporarily stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin, for a couple of weeks before your surgery. Dr. Gupta will speak with you regarding all preparation instructions prior to your procedure and risks, including cornea rejection.

KNOW YOUR DOCTOR

Dr. Archana Gupta

Cataract Surgeon, Ophthalmologist, Cornea & External Diseases Specialist

Dr. Archana Gupta is a board certified ophthalmologist. She specializes in cataract, cornea, external diseases and refractive surgery.

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The Corneal Transplant Procedure

A corneal transplant is often done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, so you can return home the same day. On the day of your surgery, you will be given a sedative to help you relax and a local anesthetic will be used to numb the eyes.

A cornea transplant removes either the entire or partial thickness of the diseased cornea and replaces it with healthy donor tissue. There are a number of different surgical methods to achieve this, which include:

Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK)

PK is also referred to as a full-thickness corneal transplant and it is often required when the cornea is severely damaged. During this procedure, your surgeon will cut through the cornea to remove a small disk of corneal tissue. Donor tissue will then be inserted to take its place and sutured in place. After surgery, you will need to wear an eye shield to keep your healing eye protected and use topical antibiotics and corticosteroids to prevent infection and graft infection. Full recovery can take 6-12 months but the success rate of this surgery is very high and many patients enjoy an improved quality of life.

Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK)

EK is a type of corneal transplant that replaces the damaged inner lining of the cornea – the endothelium. The procedure only requires a single small incision and the damaged tissue is removed with a microkeratome blade. These are also used in LASIK surgery. The donor tissue will be carefully folded and fitted through the incision, then positioned inside the eye. An air bubble will be carefully injected to position the graft and help it unfold. Your vision will start to improve within 2 weeks and continue to gradually improve over 4-6 months.

Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK)

DSEK can restore clear vision by correcting corneal endothelium failure. This is a partial-thickness cornea transplant that replaces the endothelium and Descemet’s membrane just above it. First, the endothelium and Descemet’s membrane are carefully stripped away through a small incision and then a circular disc is removed from the inner lining of a donor cornea. The donor tissue will be carefully placed with a small air bubble that stabilizes the area during the first day after surgery. After surgery, patients should lie on their backs and rest as much as possible to keep the air bubble stabilized.

Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK)

DMEK is another type of partial-thickness corneal transplant that only replaces the endothelium – the innermost layer of the cornea. Healthy corneal tissue is left in place to shorten the treatment and recovery time. During the procedure, you will be given a topical anesthetic to numb your eye but you will not have to undergo sedation. Small incisions will be made in the cornea and then the new donor tissue is inserted into your eye. An air bubble will keep it in place as it heals. Once the area is secured with sutures, you can relax in your treatment room for about one hour while you are monitored to ensure there are no complications. Continue to rest at home for a couple of days until the air bubble pops and make to apply topical antibiotics and steroids as instructed.

Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK)

ALK is performed to replace scared or damaged cornea tissue on the front (anterior) layer. This procedure often benefits patients with refractive issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness. During the procedure, the cornea is dissected into two pieces and a thin layer of the damaged tissue is removed. Healthy donor tissue will be grafted into place and sutures may be used, depending on the specific technique used. Clearer vision will gradually improve for a few weeks after surgery.

TRUST THE RESULTS

  • " Professional, Knowledgeable and Attentive"

    Dr. Archana Gupta is very professional, knowledgeable, and attentive. Her office staff members Kira and Maria are polite, friendly, and very helpful. I would highly recommend this Dr. Gupta and her office.

    - IL

  • "Outstanding in All Respects"

    Outstanding in all respects. Dr. Gupta and her staff are true professionals and highly competent. Everything was explained to me in great detail at every step of my procedure and they took great care of me. She is also kind and courteous and really cares about her patients. I strongly recommend Dr. Gupta!!!

    - KB

  • "Professional, Excellent and Thorough"

    I thought it was very professional. The exam was excellent. Very thorough. The technician was great and the doctor is wonderful. The doctor was very calming.

    - MP

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Corneal Transplant Recovery

After corneal transplant surgery, you may need to wear an eye patch for a while as your cornea heals. Eye sensitivity, redness, and soreness are common for the first few days. Prescription eye drops can help to bring down any inflammation that occurs, as well as lower the chances of infection. It can take several months for your overall vision to improve. Dr. Gupta will give you specific instructions regarding your recovery for the best results.

Corneal Transplant FAQs

Can I wear glasses after corneal transplant?

After a corneal transplant, many patients wonder about their vision correction options, including whether they can continue to wear glasses. Post-surgery, wearing glasses is often a viable choice for achieving better visual clarity, especially once the eye has healed and any significant changes in vision have stabilized. It's important to note that corneal transplant surgery can change the shape of your eye, so a new prescription is typically needed to account for these changes.

How many times can you have a corneal transplant?

The number of corneal transplants a person can undergo isn't set in stone and can vary based on individual circumstances. Some individuals may require more than one transplant in their lifetime due to the rejection of the transplanted tissue or the recurrence of the original disease affecting the cornea. It's not uncommon for patients to undergo multiple corneal transplants, especially if there are complications or if the initial surgery does not yield the desired results.

What happens if a corneal transplant is rejected?

If a corneal transplant is rejected, it means that the immune system is attacking the donated cornea tissue, potentially leading to symptoms such as redness, pain, light sensitivity, and a decrease in vision. Corneal transplant rejection is a serious complication that can occur weeks, months, or even years after the surgery. One of the most common indicators of rejection is a persistent change in vision or discomfort in the eye. It's crucial to recognize these signs early, as timely intervention can help manage the rejection and improve the chances of maintaining the health of the transplanted cornea.

Why would someone need a cornea transplant?

A cornea transplant is a surgical procedure required when the cornea becomes damaged or diseased. This crucial part of the eye helps to focus light, enabling clear vision. Various conditions may necessitate a cornea transplant, including keratoconus, a condition characterized by the progressive thinning and reshaping of the cornea, leading to blurred vision. Scarring of the cornea may also necessitate this surgery. Additionally, conditions such as Fuchs' dystrophy and severe swelling following eye surgery can impair vision significantly, making a corneal transplant necessary. By replacing the impaired cornea with healthy donor tissue, a cornea transplant can restore vision, reduce pain, and improve the overall health of the diseased or damaged cornea.

Do corneal transplants last forever?

Corneal transplants do not last forever. While the procedure can significantly improve vision and quality of life for individuals with corneal diseases or damage, the longevity of a corneal transplant varies widely among patients. Some may last for decades, while others may fail much sooner due to factors such as rejection, infection, or recurrence of the original disease. Regular follow-ups with an eye care specialist and proper eye care can help to maximize the lifespan of a corneal transplant.

How soon can I drive after a corneal transplant?

After undergoing a corneal transplant, the timeline for resuming driving can vary depending on several factors, including your individual healing process. Typically, it's advised that patients wait at least a few weeks before considering driving. This waiting period allows for initial recovery and reduces the risk of complications that may impair vision. It is crucial for patients to ensure their vision meets the legal requirements for driving in their region before getting back behind the wheel. Regular follow-up examinations can help assess when it's safe to start driving again.

What are the signs of corneal transplant rejection?

Corneal transplant rejection is a concerning complication that can occur after a corneal transplant surgery. Recognizing the signs of rejection early is crucial to address the issue promptly. Common signs of corneal transplant rejection include redness of the eye, sensitivity to light, decreased vision, and eye pain. These symptoms can develop rapidly, even months or years after the surgery. It is important for individuals who have undergone corneal transplantation to be aware of these signs and to monitor their eyes closely for any changes.

Are you awake during a corneal transplant?

During a corneal transplant procedure, patients are typically awake but given local anesthesia to numb the eye and surrounding area, along with sedatives to help them remain calm and comfortable. This approach allows the patient to be conscious and responsive while experiencing minimal discomfort throughout the surgery. Remaining awake during the procedure not only ensures that your vitals can be more easily monitored but also reduces the risks and recovery time associated with general anesthesia.

How long does it take to recover from a corneal transplant?

Recovery time after a corneal transplant can vary significantly from person to person, but it generally takes several months to a year for complete healing. Initially, patients may experience blurry vision for a few weeks as the eye heals and adjusts to the new corneal tissue. While most daily activities can often be resumed within a few weeks, tasks that involve significant eye strain or risk of injury may need to be avoided for an extended period.

Do you have to lay flat after corneal transplant?

After a corneal transplant, post-operative care is crucial for optimal recovery and ensuring the best possible outcome. While it is not always necessary to lie flat after a corneal transplant, some specific post-operative instructions might require you to maintain a certain position for a period of time, especially if a particular technique has been used. Your healthcare team will provide guidance tailored to your specific procedure and healing process, which might include recommendations on positioning, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments to monitor the healing progress.

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