Keratoplasty

Keratoplasty, also known as corneal transplant, is a surgical procedure to replace part of the cornea with corneal tissue from a donor.

Types of Keratoplasty

• Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK): This is the most common type of keratoplasty, where the entire thickness of the cornea is replaced with a donor graft.
• Lamellar Keratoplasty (LK): This type of surgery involves replacing only the diseased layer of the cornea, rather than the full thickness.
• Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK): This is a type of lamellar keratoplasty that specifically targets the innermost layer of the cornea, the endothelium.
• Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK): A variation of EK, where the diseased endothelium is stripped away and replaced with a donor graft.
• Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK): A more advanced version of DSEK, where only the Descemet's membrane and endothelium are replaced.

Indications for Keratoplasty

Keratoplasty is typically performed to treat corneal diseases or injuries that cause vision loss or blindness, including:

• Corneal ulcers or infections
• Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy
• Pseudophakic bullous keratopathy
• Keratoconus
• Corneal scars or trauma

Surgical Procedure

The surgical procedure for keratoplasty typically involves:

• Administration of local or general anesthesia
• Removal of the diseased corneal tissue
• Preparation of the donor graft
• Suturing or attachment of the donor graft to the recipient's eye

Postoperative Care and Recovery

After keratoplasty, patients typically require:

• Frequent follow-up appointments with their surgeon
• Use of topical medications to promote healing and prevent rejection
• Avoidance of strenuous activities or rubbing the eye
• Wearing an eye shield or patch to protect the eye

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, keratoplasty carries risks and potential complications, including:

• Graft rejection
• Infection
• Glaucoma
• Cataract formation
• Retinal detachment

Prognosis and Outcome

The success rate of keratoplasty varies depending on the type of procedure, the underlying condition being treated, and individual patient factors.

With proper postoperative care and follow-up, many patients can achieve significant improvement in their vision and quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Keratoplasty?
Keratoplasty is a surgical procedure to replace part of the cornea with corneal tissue from a donor.

Why is Keratoplasty performed?
Keratoplasty is typically performed to treat corneal diseases, injuries, or conditions that cause vision loss or blindness.

What are the types of Keratoplasty?
There are several types, including Penetrating Keratoplasty, Lamellar Keratoplasty, and Endothelial Keratoplasty.

Is Keratoplasty a painful procedure?
The procedure is usually performed under local or general anesthesia to minimize pain.

What are the risks of Keratoplasty?
Risks may include infection, rejection of the donor tissue, and vision problems.

How long does it usually take to recover from Keratoplasty?
Recovery time can vary, typically ranging from several weeks to several months.

Will Keratoplasty guarantee perfect vision?
The outcome of Keratoplasty can improve vision, but the degree of improvement varies and may not always result in perfect vision.

Can Keratoplasty be performed on both eyes at the same time?
Typically, the procedure is performed on one eye at a time, but it depends on the individual case and doctor's recommendation.

How long does the transplanted cornea last?
The longevity of the transplanted cornea can vary, with some lasting many years or even a lifetime, while others may require re-transplantation.

Is Keratoplasty covered by insurance?
Coverage varies depending on the insurance provider and the specific circumstances of the procedure.