What Is Recovery from Corneal Transplant Surgery Like?
- Posted on: Nov 15 2022
A healthy eye is essential for having clear vision. As important as each part of the eye is to keep that clear vision, many are very delicate and can easily be damaged by disease, genetic degeneration, or injury. Perhaps none is more important to clear vision than the cornea.
The cornea is the clear covering on the front of the eye, which refracts or bends the light that travels through the lens and onto the retina. Since the cornea is the first part of the eye, light and images pass through, and damage or injury can cause significant vision issues.
Corneal disease affects over 10 million people around the world and is one of the most common causes of blindness. Thankfully, treatment options can help prevent continued reduction in vision or even reverse some of the symptoms.
Whether caused by injury, genetics, or disease, the effects of corneal disease can often be treated with specific eyeglasses or contact lenses. In some cases, however, the damage is severe enough that a corneal transplant is needed to achieve clear vision.
Corneal transplant surgery is very successful and has minimal side effects or risks. Although only a mild sedative is administered, a strong local anesthetic is used to eliminate any feeling or sensation in the eye during the procedure. The surgery is completed in under two hours.
Although recovery from corneal transplant surgery is relatively pain-free, it is crucial to clearly understand what to expect. For the first week after the surgery, keeping the blood pressure around the eyes will be essential to achieve the best results. Most patients can return to work within a week.
However, it may take up to a year for your body to accept and adjust to the new cornea. During this time, you may need to use steroid drops and protect the eye as much as possible from direct sunlight or physical bumping.
The doctors at the Eye Clinic in Portland, OR, can answer your questions and concerns about corneal transplant surgery. Call the office at 503-297-4718, or visit www.eyeclinicpdx.com to schedule a consultation today.
Posted in: Corneal Transplant
