Cornea Transplant: Best Care at LJ Eye Institute
The cornea is the transparent outer layer of the eye that plays a crucial role in focusing vision. Damage to the cornea due to injury, infection, keratoconus, or corneal scarring can lead to blurred vision or blindness. A cornea transplant (keratoplasty) is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged or diseased cornea with a healthy donor cornea, restoring vision and improving eye health.
What is a Cornea Transplant?
A corneal transplant (keratoplasty) is a surgical procedure that replaces damaged or diseased corneal tissue with healthy donor cornea to restore vision. It is recommended for conditions such as:
- Keratoconus (thinning & bulging of the cornea)
- Corneal scarring (from infections or injuries)
- Fuchs’ dystrophy (corneal swelling)
- Bullous keratopathy (corneal edema)
- Failed previous eye surgeries
Types of Cornea Transplants at LJ Eye Institute
1. Full-Thickness Cornea Transplant (Penetrating Keratoplasty – PK)
- Procedure: The entire damaged cornea is replaced with a healthy donor cornea.
- Best for: Severe corneal scarring, advanced keratoconus.
- Recovery: 6–12 months for full vision stabilization.
2. Partial-Thickness Transplant (DSAEK/DMEK)
Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK)
- Replaces only the inner corneal layer.
- Faster recovery (4–8 weeks) than PK.
Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK)
- Ultra-thin transplant for better vision quality.
- Used for Fuchs’ dystrophy & bullous keratopathy.
3. Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK)
- Preserves the patient’s inner corneal layer (reduces rejection risk).
- Ideal for keratoconus & superficial scars.
4. Artificial Cornea Transplant (Keratoprosthesis)
- For patients with multiple failed transplants or severe ocular surface disease.
Why Choose LJ Eye Institute for Cornea Transplant?
- Experienced Cornea Specialists – Trained at AIIMS, LV Prasad, and international centers.
- Advanced Surgical Techniques – Femtosecond laser-assisted transplants for precision.
- High-Quality Donor Corneas – Sourced from certified eye banks with strict safety checks.
- Minimal Rejection Rates – Due to advanced matching & surgical expertise.
- Personalized Post-Op Care – Regular follow-ups for optimal healing.
The Cornea Transplant Procedure: Step-by-Step
1. Pre-Surgical Evaluation
- Detailed eye examination (topography, pachymetry, endothelial cell count).
- Matching with donor cornea (tissue compatibility testing).
2. Surgery Day
- Anesthesia: Local or general (based on patient needs).
- Procedure Time: 1–2 hours (depending on transplant type).
- Stitches: Used in PK, while DSAEK/DMEK are often stitchless.
3. Recovery & Aftercare
- Initial Healing: 1–2 weeks (light sensitivity & blurry vision common).
- Full Visual Recovery: 3–6 months (varies by transplant type).
- Medications: Anti-rejection drops & antibiotics to prevent complications.
When Do You Need a Cornea Transplant?
You may require a cornea transplant if you have:
- Severe corneal scarring from infections (like herpes or fungal keratitis).
- Keratoconus (a progressive thinning of the cornea).
- Fuchs’ dystrophy (corneal endothelial dysfunction).
- Corneal swelling or clouding due to previous eye surgeries.
- Chemical or traumatic corneal damage.