Cornea surgery may be required for patients who have suffered eye damage. There are several possible causes including disease, injury, keratoconus (cornea bulging), scarring, or issues caused by a prior surgery. What should you expect before and after undergoing a corneal transplant?
Talk to Your Ophthalmologist First
Your ophthalmologist can explain the reason for the procedure and answer any questions you have. They will also need to know if you take any medications and if you have other health issues. You may be advised to stop taking blood thinners if you are currently prescribed any.
You may be asked to visit your general practitioner for a physical to ensure that you are healthy before the transplant.
Find Someone to Drive You Home
Make arrangements to have someone drive you home after your surgery. It will not be safe for you to attempt to get behind the wheel after the procedure.
The Procedure
Your doctor will apply eye drops. You may also be given medication to help you relax. General anesthesia will also be used, so you do not feel the procedure. You will be able to see little to nothing during the surgery.
The doctor can approach your transplant one of three ways based on your medical needs:
- They may remove a circular area and replace it with a matching portion of the donated cornea.
- They may remove a thin layer of cells and stitch the replacement cornea into place.
- They may remove the damaged inner layer and replace it with the healthy tissue before inserting an air bubble into the eye to push the replacement into position.
Cornea Surgery Recovery
You will need to return to your ophthalmologist the following day for a follow up. Stitches may be removed. You will be prescribed eye drops and may need to wear glasses or a shield to protect the eye.
If your vision is preventing you from performing routine daily tasks, you may need cornea surgery. Contact Grosinger, Spigelman & Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians in southeast Michigan for an appointment to schedule an exam.
#EyeMichigan #GrosingerSpigelmanGrey #Ophthalmologist #MichigansLeadingEyeCarePhysicians #EyeSurgery #CorneaSurgery