The success of a cornea transplant depends on several factors, including the quality of the donated tissue, the underlying cause of the corneal damage, the experience and skill of the surgeon, and the patient’s immune system’s ability to accept the new cornea. Surgical complications, such as infection and poor wound healing, can occur during the procedure. Although these risks are relatively small, you should be aware of them and seek medical advice before undergoing the procedure.
Before the surgery, you’ll be given various medications and eye drops. In addition, you will need to stop eating after midnight the night before surgery. You’ll also need someone to drive you to and from the operating room. During the procedure, you’ll be given intravenous nutrition and monitored for blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs. You’ll be unable to see clearly immediately after surgery, but your vision will improve gradually over the next few months.
Your cornea is made of several layers. The outer layer is called the epithelium. This layer is essential for focusing light onto the retina. If your cornea is irregularly shaped, it can cause vision impairment. This can be caused by age, trauma, or disease, but there are many ways to replace your cornea with a new one.
After your cornea transplant, you must take the prescribed medications and attend follow-up appointments. You should also wear eye protection. You should not rub or press your eye for several days. However, you should gradually resume your normal activities. You may have some vision differences, but these are usually temporary and can be easily corrected with eyeglasses. You should call your ophthalmologist if you notice any changes.
