How Successful Are Corneal Transplants?

According to the National Library of Medicine, corneal disease is the fifth leading cause of blindness worldwide. Corneal transplant surgery is the most common form of human transplant surgery, and doctors first performed it in 1905.

If you have any form of corneal disease that doesn't respond to other treatments, the Ophthalmology Associates of Bay Ridge team recommends corneal transplant surgery. Our four experienced ophthalmologists offer corneal transplants for problems like keratoconus.

Who needs a corneal transplant?

The cornea is the part of the eye that directs light into the retina, providing clear vision. It's round and at the front of the eye, covering the iris and pupil. The cornea should be clear, allowing for sharp vision.

Injury, illness, and certain conditions can damage the cornea, which affects visual clarity. If other treatments don't work, you may require a corneal transplant to restore clear vision.

People who qualify for corneal transplant surgery include those with the following conditions:

• Fuchs' dystrophy
• Keratoconus
• Corneal scarring
• Corneal thinning

Any injury or infection that damages the cornea or causes vision problems can benefit from a corneal transplant. Blurry vision and eye pain from corneal damage are other reasons you need a corneal transplant.

Is corneal transplant surgery successful?

Corneal transplant surgery is one of the most successful and common forms of tissue transplantation. It's an excellent option for people dealing with corneal damage and vision disturbances when other treatments haven't been successful.

The procedure is highly safe, with minimal risks and side effects. It's very successful in most people, with over a 90% corneal survival rate at the two-year mark. However, everyone is different, and the success rate depends on various factors, including:

• The underlying reason for the transplant
• Type of transplant surgery performed
• Health of the donor cornea
• How you care for the new cornea
• Involvement of other eye problems

Your body can reject the donor cornea, but we do everything possible to ensure your body accepts the donor tissue. Catching signs of rejection early allows us to save the cornea through medications and monitored care.

Long-term results of corneal transplants

After a corneal transplant, taking care of your eyes helps keep the tissues healthy for years. Most corneal transplants last 15 years or more. The success rate and how long the donor tissue lasts depend on many factors.

The best way to ensure your transplant lasts for as long as possible is to follow our aftercare instructions closely. A few ways to ensure your new corneas remain healthy include:

• Wear an eye patch as we prescribe
• Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes
• Avoid activities that could cause eye damage
• Use prescription eye drops after surgery
• Wear glasses to protect your eyes

The most important aspect after a corneal transplant is to contact us if any problems arise. The sooner we address potential issues, the longer the transplant will last, and the more likely your vision will restore itself.

Call the Ophthalmology Associates of Bay Ridge today to make an appointment to discuss a corneal transplant, or visit our website to schedule an appointment with our team.