Cornea and Keratoplasty

Introduction: What Is Cornea Transplantation?

Cornea transplantation, also known as keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy donor tissue. The cornea is the eye's transparent outermost layer that helps focus light for clear vision. When it becomes cloudy or scarred due to disease, trauma, or infection, a transplant may restore or significantly improve vision.

At Pristine Eye Hospitals Hyderabad, we offer advanced, ethical, and patient-friendly corneal care, backed by expert cornea specialists and cutting-edge technology.

When Do You Need a Cornea Transplant?

You may require a corneal transplant if you have:

• Keratoconus (progressive thinning of the cornea)

• Corneal scarring due to injury or infection

• Fuchs' dystrophy or other inherited conditions

• Corneal edema (swelling)

• Failed previous corneal surgery

• Bullous keratopathy

Types of Cornea Transplantation

At Pristine Eye Hospitals, we offer multiple techniques based on the condition of your cornea:

• Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK)

  • Full-thickness cornea replacement

  • Suitable for advanced scarring or thinning

• DSEK (Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty)

  • Partial transplant of the innermost corneal layers

  • Faster healing, fewer complications

• DMEK (Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty)

  • Transplanting only the Descemet membrane and endothelium

  • Excellent visual outcomes and quicker recovery

• Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (ALK / DALK)

  • For superficial corneal issues with healthy endothelium

How Is a Corneal Transplant Performed?

Cornea transplantation is typically done under local anesthesia:

1. Damaged or diseased corneal tissue is carefully removed.

2. A matching donor corneal graft is placed and sutured.

3. The procedure lasts between 30–90 minutes depending on the technique.

At Pristine, we emphasize:

• Topical or local anesthesia for maximum comfort

• Microsurgical precision using high-resolution operating microscopes

• Use of tissue from certified eye banks following ethical protocols

What Is the Recovery Process After Corneal Transplantation?

• Initial recovery occurs over 1–2 weeks, with vision continuing to improve for several months.

• Eye drops and medications are prescribed to prevent rejection.

• Follow-up visits are crucial to monitor healing.

• Stitches (if any) may be removed after 3–6 months.

At Pristine, our patient-care team ensures personalized post-op support and education.

Risks and Complications

While corneal transplantation is generally safe, potential risks include:

• Graft rejection

• Infection

• Increased intraocular pressure

• Astigmatism

Prompt medical attention and follow-ups minimize these risks.

What Are the Benefits of Cornea Transplantation?

• Restores or significantly improves vision

• Reduces pain caused by corneal disorders

• Improves the eye's appearance if scarring is severe

• Enhances quality of life and productivity

Why Choose Pristine Eye Hospitals Hyderabad?

• Expert Cornea Specialists: Skilled in advanced lamellar techniques

• Certified Eye Bank Affiliation: Ensures safe, ethical donor tissue

• High-End Diagnostic Tools: Specular microscopy, anterior segment OCT, topography

• Topical & Local Anesthesia: Painless, stitch-free options where possible

• Ethical, Patient-Centric Approach

We also offer counseling and support for patients with corneal blindness and work in collaboration with eye donation programs to reduce corneal blindness in India.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a corneal transplant painful?
No. The surgery is performed under local or topical anesthesia. You may feel mild discomfort post-op, which is manageable with medication.

2. How long will the new cornea last?
Corneal transplants can last for decades, especially with proper care and regular follow-ups.

3. Can both eyes be treated at once?
Typically, one eye is treated at a time. The second eye may be operated after the first one heals.

4. What if my body rejects the transplant?
Early signs of rejection are treatable if reported promptly. We provide guidance to detect these symptoms early.

5. Will I need glasses after cornea surgery?
You may still need glasses or contact lenses, especially if there is astigmatism. Vision correction options are discussed during follow-up.

6. Is corneal transplant covered by insurance?
Yes, most standard and corporate insurance plans cover corneal surgery. Our team assists with pre-authorizations.