This article will help you understand corneal transplants and how to prepare for them.
What Is a Corneal Transplant Procedure?
A corneal transplant is a procedure aimed at replacing a damaged cornea—resulting from an injury, infection, or disease—with a healthy donor cornea from a deceased person.
When Is a Corneal Transplant Performed?
Corneal transplants are performed for a variety of reasons, including injuries, infections, or diseases that damage any part of the cornea. Conditions that may require a corneal transplant include:
Corneal dystrophy.
Corneal scarring.
Corneal swelling.
Previous eye trauma or injury.
Keratitis.
Keratoconus.
Complications from cataract surgery or other eye surgeries.
How to Prepare for a Corneal Transplant?
Before a corneal transplant surgery:
Thorough eye examination: The ophthalmologist examines conditions that might cause difficulties post-surgery.
Measure your eye: The ophthalmologist ensures the donor cornea is the right size for your eye.
Treat other eye issues: Such as infections or inflammation.
Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure, and you may ask questions.
You will need to sign a consent form giving permission to perform the procedure. Read it carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.
You will be asked about the last time you ate or drank something. If the procedure is planned to use general anesthesia, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything for 8 hours before the procedure.
Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies to medications or anesthesia.
Inform your healthcare provider about all medications (prescribed and over-the-counter), vitamins, herbs, and dietary supplements you are taking.
Inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any blood-thinning medications (anticoagulants), aspirin, or other medications that affect blood clotting. You may be asked to stop these medications before the procedure.
Follow any other instructions your doctor gives you for preparation.
