Image of a healthy cornea – Photo: Oqulum/Disclosure

To have a clear view, the cornea must be in perfect working order. This part of the eye is transparent and is located directly in front of the eyes, with the function of focusing the light passing through the pupil and reaching the retina. For example, the cornea is like the glass of a watch. If the cornea is opaque, swollen, or damaged, the light will not be properly focused, so it’s time to evaluate if the repair is enough or if it’s time to go for a transplant.

It never hurts to remember that a scheduled visit to an ophthalmologist is desirable, who will assess the condition of the eyes and recommend appropriate treatment. Thus, the diseased cornea or part of it can be completely or partially replaced with a healthy one from a donor.

To find a corneal donor and learn more about how it works, there are clear guidelines from the Department of Health and the Federal Government Eye Bank in partnership with the Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics. Instructions for receiving or donating a cornea can be obtained from these addresses.

According to world statistics, the operation has a high success rate. Usually it is from 80 to 90% success in simple situations. In difficult cases, the success rate may decrease depending on the complexity of the ocular pathology.

When is a corneal transplant needed?

Specialist in Oqulum Ophthalmic Surgery Center for Surgery – Photo: Oqulum/Disclosure

According to Oqulum Ophthalmic Surgery Center, transplantation is necessary in situations such as severe facial injuries reaching the eyes, or when there are problems with the eyes, such as:

– Keratoconus: a progressive eye disease in which the cornea thins and protrudes forward, acquiring a resemblance to a cone;

– eye infections or injuries that lead to scarring of the cornea;

– Fuchs’ dystrophy, when the cells of the inner layer of the cornea (endothelium) do not function effectively, allowing fluid to enter the tissues. The cornea swells and loses transparency;

– Corneal edema of any etiology, including after surgical interventions in patients with endothelial changes.

Preparing for the operation

When it comes to surgery, the patient undergoes a complete eye examination, treatment for other vision problems (to increase the chances of a successful transplant), and advice on the procedure, risks, and expected results.

Types of corneal transplantation

When the transplant is done, the graft replaces the damaged tissue with healthy donor tissue. There are three types of corneal transplant:

– End-to-end or full-layer transplantation, when the entire cornea needs to be replaced. The recovery period is longer than other types, and vision can be restored within a year (or more).

– Anterior lamellar transplantation, when only the anterior part of the cornea is replaced. Because the procedure supports the inner layer of the patient’s cornea (the endothelium), recovery is faster and rejection is less likely.

– Endothelial transplantation, in cases where only the endothelium is damaged. In the technique, this layer of the cornea is replaced with new tissue, leaving the remaining 90% of the cornea intact. The result is excellent, with less chance of infection, rejection and postoperative astigmatism.

How is the patient recovering?

After surgery, the patient will most likely wear a bandage for 24 to 72 hours until the top layer of the cornea has healed. You will experience pain and redness in your eyes for several days, and you will also have some sensitivity to light. Experts warn that it’s important to use eye drops as directed by your doctor to reduce inflammation and infection in the post-operative period. The patient must return to the office the day after the operation and several times over the next few weeks.

transplant results

Most people who have a cornea transplant recover at least some of their vision. However, each situation is unique. Results can usually be seen within a few weeks after the procedure. In some patients, vision recovery is slower.

12 expert tips to keep your eyes healthy

Take Care of Your Vision: Follow Medical Advice – Credit: Oqulum/Disclosure

Oqulum Ophthalmological Surgical Center provides 12 tips to help keep your eyes always healthy and avoid eye diseases and injuries. Stay tuned.

• 01. Periodically get a complete eye exam
• 02. Eat right to protect your eyesight
• 03. Know your family’s eye health history
• 04. Wear sunglasses with a UV filter
• 05. Maintain a healthy weight
• 06. Give your eyes a break
• 07. Hold the computer screen at a distance of 50 cm from your eyes
• 08. Avoid smoking, and if you smoke, quit immediately
• 09. Wash your hands and disinfect contact lenses thoroughly.
• 10. Don’t rub your eyes with your hands.
• 11. Keep your eyes lubricated: don’t forget to blink
• 12. Never use over-the-counter eye drops.

OQLUM Ophthalmic Surgery Center

A surgical center that brings together professionals, best practices and state of the art equipment to provide you with the best results and experience. He believes in personalized, humanized service, thinking and dedicating himself exclusively to each case, each patient. Look at OQLUM, created in 2021, with enthusiastic eyes and over 22 years of experience from our clinical staff.

Find out more at:

• website
• Address: K-PLATZ Center. Average. 568 Presidente Kennedy – Ground Floor, Room 12 – Campinas, San Jose – Santa Catarina – Brazil 88101-001.
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