CORNEA TRANSPLANT

General Information

DEFINITION--Removing a diseased or injured cornea and replacing it with a healthy cornea from a donor.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Cornea (the front part of the eyeball).

REASONS FOR SURGERY--Restoration of vision or prevention of blindness.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Stress.
• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Poor nutrition.
• Recent illness.
• Alcoholism or chronic illness.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Ophthalmologist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; eye examination.
• After surgery: Eye examination.

ANESTHESIA

• Local anesthesia by injection.
• General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• The diseased or injured cornea is cut free with scissors and removed.
• The donor cornea (usually from an eye bank) is grafted into the area with sutures.
• The sutures holding the transplanted cornea are removed when healing has taken place, usually about 3 to 4 weeks after surgery.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Surgical-wound infection.
• Rejection of transplant (rare).
• Secondary glaucoma.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--2 days.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow 3 to 4 weeks for recovery from surgery. Some patients can see better within a day or two of surgery; others may not gain optimum vision for months or even a year or more.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES---Avoid getting water in the eye.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Avoid vigorous exercise. Don't bend over or lift heavy objects until transplant is healed completely. > Resume driving when your doctor determines that healing is complete. > You will probably wear an eye shield at night for 2-3 months.

DIET---No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.

• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.
• You experience nausea, vomiting or constipation.
• Your vision changes.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.