Eye transplants currently only involve the cornea, not the entire eyeball. Corneal transplants are common and relatively simple procedures, with short wait times for donors. Recovery time varies, and complications such as rejection and infection can occur.
While technology is continually evolving, an eye transplant does not currently include transplanting the entire eyeball to treat vision loss. It is actually the cornea that is usually transplanted. To perform a whole eye transplant, the optic nerve would have to be cut to remove the eyeball and then reattached.
Even if the entire eyeball is not replaced, a corneal transplant may sometimes be referred to as an eye transplant. The cornea can be transplanted to help restore vision in people with certain eye conditions. For example, if a person has corneal clouding, swelling, corneal ulcers, or scarring that interferes with vision, a transplant may be done.
An eye transplant that involves replacing the cornea is a relatively common procedure. It is often a much simpler process than other types of transplants and is sometimes done on an outpatient basis. Unlike other organ transplants, the wait for corneas is often not too long. Corneas are donated after a donor dies, but most people have corneas that can be donated.
Before the transplant, a complete eye exam is done, and any conditions, such as an eye infection, should be treated before surgery. The doctor will also take eye measurements so that a cornea that matches the size the patient needs can be found. Usually the procedure is done without putting the patient under general anesthesia. The eye is numb and a sedative may be given. The diseased or damaged part of the cornea is removed and the donor cornea is then stitched into place.
Surgery is relatively quick and recovery time varies, but most people will feel pain and swelling after the procedure. Oral medications and eye drops are usually given to prevent infection and treat pain. A metal eye shield is usually placed over the eye to apply pressure and help reduce swelling. It also helps protect the eye during recovery.
Most corneal transplant patients do not have serious complications, but they can occur. Corneal rejection is a possibility, along with infection. If it occurs, drugs may be given to treat the rejection. Occasionally, an increase in eye pressure may also occur after surgery. Additional procedures may be needed to adjust the cornea as the eye heals.
The amount of vision that is restored through a transplant varies and depends in part on the condition leading up to the corneal transplant. Even if vision is not fully restored, most transplants lead to improvement in vision.
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