A corneal transplant is a surgical procedure that involves the replacement of damaged, diseased, or scarred corneal tissue with healthy tissue from a donor. A corneal transplant is also known as keratoplasty. Individuals that are interested in undergoing keratoplasty need to receive an eye exam to determine if they fit the criteria for a corneal transplant. If you live in or around the Alamo Heights area, contact our team at Vision 3C Specialists to schedule your eye exam today. We have gathered a few questions that we run into regarding corneal transplants.
What Should I Expect When Getting a Corneal Transplant?
A corneal transplant involves the replacement of the cornea in the eye. The cornea is a clear layer of tissue over the eye. The cornea helps the eye focus light for clear visibility. When the cornea becomes damaged or diseased it can cause your eye to lose the ability to focus light properly which can obstruct and skew your vision. The cornea is the outer layer of your eye. It is a natural lens.
In the event of undergoing a corneal transplantation, the eye surgeon will remove this natural eye lens and replace it with a donated healthy lens. Individuals who have passed on and have chosen to become organ donors will provide the healthy tissue needed for this procedure. The Keratoplasty is not cut and dry, however. The eye doctor performing the eye surgery will need to choose the proper corneal transplant for you, depending on your eye's damage.
What Is A Penetrating Keratoplasty?
The procedure involving a penetrating keratoplasty or a full-thickness corneal transplant involves all of the layers of the cornea being replaced with a new one. The new cornea will be sewn onto the eye. This procedure requires stitches thinner than a strand of hair. This procedure is typically required for patients who have suffered severe corneal injuries or scarring. This procedure takes the longest time to heal.
What Is A Lamellar Keratoplasty?
A Lamellar Keratoplasty is also known as a partial-thickness corneal transplant. Unlike a full-thickness corneal transplant, this procedure only requires a thin layer of the cornea to be removed. Individuals who have surface-level corneal scars or corneal scarring that is not deep may get this procedure. Individuals with keratinous are also candidates for partial-thickness corneal transplants.
What Is An Endothelial Keratoplasty?
The endothelial Keratoplasty is one of the most commonly received corneal transplants. This procedure involves the thinnest layer of corneal tissue needed to be removed and replaced. This procedure requires the least amount of healing time but requires the most skill. The thinness of the layer makes the tissue difficult to work with.
Contact Vision 3C Specialists for More Information
If you live in or around the Alamo Heights area and need a corneal transplant, call Dr. Fernando Trujillo at (210) 538-2020 to schedule a consultation.
