I came into Omni Eye Specialists feeling worried that the surgery I was undergoing would not be successful. After Dr. Wang's conclusion and explanation of what he would be doing and why, I felt confident that surgery was the right thing to do. For the first time in my life, I have panoramic vision and colors are clear and beautiful.

Corneal Transplant

A corneal transplant (“keratoplasty”) is a surgical procedure where part of the cornea is replaced with a donor’s corneal tissue.

The cornea is the transparent surface of your eye; it is generally dome shaped and accounts for most of your eye’s focusing power. A corneal transplant can in an eye with a damaged cornea:

  • Restore vision
  • Enhance the look of a damaged or diseased cornea
  • Reduce pain in the cornea

Corneal Transplant Information

Corneal transplants are performed for a number of reasons, including:

  • Thin or cloudy cornea
  • Ulcers of the cornea
  • Cornea scarring, which can because by injury or infection
  • A cornea that bulges outward (Keratoconus)
  • Complications of a previous eye surgery

Corneal Transplant Complications

Most corneal transplants are successful, though, as with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of complications. The most common complication is rejection of the donor cornea.

Some other possible complications include:

  • Cataracts
  • Swelling of the cornea
  • Infection of the eye
  • Problems with the stitches that are used to transplant the donor cornea
  • Glaucoma

The major risk is corneal rejection, when the patient’s immune system attacks the cornea from the donor. This can require additional treatment or sometimes another corneal transplant.

Patients who have had a corneal transplant should report to their doctor any signs of rejection including:

  • Pain
  • Redness
  • Light sensitivity
  • Loss of vision

Corneal transplant rejection occurs in about 10% of cornea transplants. Therefore, it is not uncommon and patients should be aware of the symptoms of corneal transplant rejection.

Prior to Corneal Transplant

Before undergoing corneal transplant surgery you will have a number of examinations. These include an eye exam during which your doctor will look for conditions that might cause you to have surgery complications. Your doctor will also take specific measurements of your eye to determine what size cornea you will need from a donor.

You also receive treatment for any other eye problems you currently have, as eye problems that are unrelated such as inflammation or infection can reduce the chances of a successful corneal transplant.