Corneal Transplants
The cornea is the clear window in the very front part of the eye. It can be compared to a watch crystal. Sometimes the
cornea becomes clouded and impairs vision. There are many causes of this cloudiness. Sometimes it can be congenital, due to
disease, or due to trauma. Corneal cloudiness is also seen in patients who have had eye surgery. In many cases, the only
treatment is corneal transplant surgery. This involves removing the central part of the cornea and sewing in donated human
cornea. Depending upon the condition which caused the clouding, the success rate is most often quite high. It does involve a
great deal of surgical expertise to perform, and the postoperative period is long and involved.
In the last few years, there have been significant advances in the management of corneal disorders. One exciting technique
is called "Decemets' stripping endothelial keratoplasty" or DSEK. This has greatly shortened recovery time.
This area of Ophthalmology is rapidly evolving, getting simpler, safer, and more effective. When this surgery is indicated,
it is best to review the current options with your Ophthalmologist.
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