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Also known as keratoplasty, a corneal transplant is a procedure that helps repair the eye after damage caused by injury or illness. While your eye doctor will provide more detailed information based on your specific needs, here are the answers to the most common questions that many patients have when being recommended for this procedure.

FAQ About Corneal Transplants

Why are they performed?

The cornea, which is located over the iris, is the part of the eye that helps you focus. A corneal transplant involves removing damaged tissue and replacing it with tissue from a donor. Problems with the cornea can occur for a number of reasons. Along with physical trauma to the eye, a person may also experience scarring resulting from infection. The cornea can also become clouded or bulge abnormally. 

What can I expect during the procedure?

eye doctorCorneal transplants are usually performed on an out-patient basis. In most cases, patients are given a mild sedative, while a numbing agent is applied directly to the eye. The damaged tissue is then removed, which can be the entire cornea or just a portion of it, depending on the extent of the damage. The donor tissue is then sutured to your eye. 

How can I prepare?

Your eye doctor will perform a comprehensive exam to ensure you’re a good candidate for this procedure. You’ll also be asked about any medications you’re taking; if there is a risk that they’ll interfere with the transplant, you’ll be asked to abstain leading up to the procedure. Your eye doctor will also take measurements to ensure the donor tissue is a good fit. 

What’s the recovery process like?

You’ll most likely be fitted with an eye patch. This protects the eye while it heals. Pain medications are often provided, as are antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. You’ll also need to undergo frequent eye exams to ensure you’re healing correctly after the procedure. 

 

The eye doctors at Midwest Eye Center: A Division of TriState Centers for Sight provide corneal transplants to patients in the Greater Cincinnati, OH, and northern Kentucky areas. They also offer a wide range of other advanced procedures, including minimally invasive surgical treatments for glaucoma, refractive lens replacement, and laser eye surgery. Visit their website for more information on corneal transplants, or call (859) 525-6215 to schedule an exam. 

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