If you’ve been struggling with your vision lately, a damaged or infected cornea may be the reason. Sometimes, a cornea that’s damaged by only minor abrasions can heal itself. In other cases, you will need a corneal transplant to restore your vision.
How Do Corneal Transplants Work?
The cornea is a fine and transparent cover over the iris and pupil. Cornea allows light to enter the eye and refract out. It is central to our eyes’ ability to see. When the cornea is damaged, our eyes’ ability to focus light and harness it becomes disrupted. People with damaged cornea often complain of being disturbed by bright lights or seeing tiny dots of light or rings of light around bright objects.
During a corneal transplant, the ophthalmologist uses a cornea that a donor provided post-mortem. The particular corneal transplant procedure our ophthalmologists perform is called DSAEK (Descemet’s Stripping (Automated) Endothelial Keratoplasty). During DSAEK, the eye surgeon replaces the innermost part of your cornea (endothelium) with the new corneal tissue. Once the damaged cornea is gone, your vision will be restored.
What Are the Advantages of DSAEK Corneal Transplants?
DSAEK corneal transplantation is usually safer than standard corneal transplantation. DSAEK transplantation only requires the eye surgeon to remove a portion of the diseased cornea, which allows for less incision work and nerve disruption. As a result, you should enjoy a shorter recovery time than patients who need their entire cornea replaced. Furthermore, your eye is less likely to reject the cornea transplant because only a strip is being replaced instead of an entire cornea.
When Should I Get Corneal Transplants?
Cornea transplant surgery is a permanent solution to remedying impaired eyesight that is due to cornea-related issues. However, the long-lasting effects of corneal transplantation does not mean you should not make haste in visiting a board-certified eye surgeon. Anytime your vision is not at its best, your quality of life can be diminished. If distorted eyesight is keeping you from driving, enjoying the beach, or spending as much time outside as is your usual, then it is time for a cornea transplant.
Corneal Transplant Ophthalmologist
If you’re having trouble absorbing light and seeing light sources clearly, there is a strong likelihood that something is wrong with your cornea. You should see a reputable ophthalmologist immediately for an assessment; you may need a cornea transplant. You can contact Wilkinson Eye Center at 248-334-4931 to learn whether you need DSAEK corneal transplantation.
Comments are closed.