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Corneal transplant

• Overview
• Recovery
• Risks

Definition:

A corneal transplant is surgery to replace the clear surface on the front of the eye (the cornea).

Alternative Names:

Keratoplasty; Penetrating keratoplasty

Description:

Most corneal transplants are done while you are awake. The health care provider will inject medicine into the eye area so you do not feel any pain during surgery. You may be given a sedative to reduce anxiety.

The tissue for the corneal transplant is taken from a recently dead person whose family agreed to donate it.

The most common type of corneal transplant is called penetrating keratoplasty. During this procedure, the surgeon removes a small circle-sized piece of your cornea. The donated cornea is stitched onto the opening in your eye. Your doctor will remove the stitches at a follow-up visit.

Indications:

Corneal transplantation is recommended for persons who have:

• Thinning of the cornea that causes vision problems (keratoconus)
• Scarring of the cornea from severe infections or injuries
• Cloudiness of the cornea that causes vision loss (Fuchs dystrophy)

References:

Yanoff M, Duker JS, Augsburger JJ, et al. Ophthalmology . 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004:204-209.

Mian S. Regulation of eye banking and uses of ocular tissue for transplantation. Clin Lab Med. Sept 2005; 25(3): 607-24.

• Review Date: 2/22/2007
• Reviewed By: Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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