General
Information
DEFINITION--Removing a diseased or injured cornea and replacing it with a
healthy cornea from a donor.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Cornea (the front part of the eyeball).
REASONS FOR SURGERY--Restoration of vision or prevention of blindness.
SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH
- Stress.
- Obesity.
- Smoking.
- Poor nutrition.
- Recent illness.
- Alcoholism or chronic illness.
- Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep
inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
- Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens;
marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.
What To Expect
WHO OPERATES--Ophthalmologist.
WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; eye examination.
- After surgery: Eye examination.
ANESTHESIA
- Local anesthesia by injection.
- General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the
windpipe.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION
- The diseased or injured cornea is cut free with scissors and removed.
- The donor cornea (usually from an eye bank) is grafted into the area with sutures.
- The sutures holding the transplanted cornea are removed when healing has taken place,
usually about 3 to 4 weeks after surgery.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Surgical-wound infection.
- Rejection of transplant (rare).
- Secondary glaucoma.
AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--2 days.
PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow 3 to 4
weeks for recovery from surgery. Some patients can see better within a day or two of
surgery; others may not gain optimum vision for months or even a year or more.
Postoperative Care
GENERAL MEASURES---Avoid getting water in the eye.
> You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.
> To help recovery and aid your well--
being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.
- Avoid vigorous exercise. Don't bend over or lift heavy objects until transplant is
healed completely. > Resume driving when your doctor determines that healing is
complete. > You will probably wear an eye shield at night for 2-3 months.
DIET---No special diet.
Call Your Doctor If
> Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.
- You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill
feeling and fever.
- You experience nausea, vomiting or constipation.
- Your vision changes.
- New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
