Risks & Benefits Associated With Cornea Transplant
3 min read
A cornea transplant is the removal of the natural cornea of the eye and replacing it with a donor cornea. This surgical process is done to remove a part or whole of a damaged cornea. But this treatment is not always available as the operation depends on the availability of a donor cornea.
What Are The Benefits Of Cornea Transplant?
The corneal transplant is also known as the keratoplasty for a corneal graft. It is done to improve vision, relieve pain and protect eyes from severe infection or damage.
You can get corneal transplants from any reputed eye hospitals as per the donor tissue availability. The corneal transplant cost in Delhi is more affordable than hospitals in western countries.
The most common benefits of corneal graft or transplant treatment are as follows:
- Keratoconus is the condition that needs cornea transplantation. Patients suffering from this condition will benefit from the transplant program. This is a degenerative condition in which the cornea becomes thin and bulges out. Although in some cases contacts may help to improve the vision, still those are not permanent solutions. Corneal grafting is the most effective treatment for patients who are at the advanced stage of keratoconus.
- Corneal ectasia is a condition in which the cornea becomes weak and bulging after a LASIK or any other refractive error correction treatment. In such a case, the doctor always recommends a corneal transplant.
- Scarring in the corneal surface is another reason why you need a corneal transplant. In case of traumatic injuries that cause corneal scarring, transplant is the best way to treat it. This will relieve the patient from infection and pain.
What Are The Risks Of Corneal Transplant?
Patients after corneal transplant get improved vision and many experienced a very clear vision. But the effect varies and it depends on the condition of the eyes. Not everyone’s vision will be restored in the same manner. It could take weeks to get a clear vision.
Just like any other surgical procedure, corneal transplant too has some limitations and risk factors involved. But the success rate is quite high and most patients report better vision within a short span of time. The risks are temporary side-effects that may or may not happen in a patient.
Some of the symptoms you may notice after cornea transplant operation are:
- The donor tissue rejection is a rare side-effect in which the body’s immunity system needs time to adjust with the new tissue. So it rejects its function for some time.
- There could be an infection in the eye after the treatment. But the doctor always prescribes medications to counter infections and swelling.
- In rare cases, bleeding occurs. If this happens, one has to immediately consult with the surgeon.
- Other side-effects include cataract formation, glaucoma or retinal detachment.
All these conditions are extremely rare and occur due to certain conditions.
The ophthalmologist who performs the transplant operation is the best person to discuss the risks and limitations. So make sure you ask all your queries and clear your doubts before the corneal transplant.
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