Best Doctor List Near You for Cornea Transplantation in Bemidji

Cornea transplantation, also known as keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy donor tissue. The cornea is the eye's clear, dome-shaped outer layer that helps focus light onto the retina. Damage to the cornea can result from infections, injuries, degenerative diseases like keratoconus, corneal dystrophies, or scarring due to trauma or surgery, leading to vision impairment or blindness. Cornea transplantation is performed to restore vision, relieve pain, and improve the appearance of a damaged or diseased cornea. There are different types of corneal transplants, including penetrating keratoplasty (full-thickness transplant) and lamellar keratoplasty (partial-thickness transplant), depending on the extent of corneal damage. While cornea transplantation is generally successful, it carries potential risks and complications. These can include graft rejection, where the immune system attacks the donor tissue, leading to symptoms like redness, sensitivity to light, decreased vision, and pain. Other complications may include infection, bleeding, increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma), cataract formation, and issues with sutures used during surgery. In some cases, the graft may fail or become cloudy over time, necessitating additional surgery. Recovery from cornea transplantation can take several months, and patients need to follow strict post-operative care instructions, including using prescribed eye drops to prevent rejection and infection and attending regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing. It is also essential to avoid any activities that could harm the eye during the recovery period. The success of the transplant largely depends on the underlying condition and adherence to post-operative care.