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Surgery Encyclopedia
Corneal Transplant - Series
<< Back to Surgery and ProceduresNormal Anatomy
The cornea is the clear covering of the eye over the colored iris and the pupil.
Normal anatomy
Indications
Corneal transplantation is recommended for:
- severe corneal infection, injury, damage, or scarring
- corneas that no longer allow light to pass through (opaque), often secondary to lens surgery (see cataract surgery), infections, and inherited diseases of the cornea.
Indications
Incision
Corneal transplant is done with the patient awake and pain-free (local anesthesia). An incision is made around the outer edge of the cornea.
Incision
Procedure
The damaged cornea is removed and the corneal graft is stitched in place. The corneal graft is a transplant from a brain dead donor maintained on life support.
Procedure
Aftercare
Transplanted corneas have a long life expectancy. The benefits of corneal transplant are significant, and include significant improvement in vision.
Aftercare
Review Date: Aug 22, 2008
Reviewed By: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Reviewed By: Paul B. Griggs, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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