Corneal transplantation is also known as "keratoplasty." This type of surgical intervention involves the transplantation of the cornea from a donor to a patient. Both partial and full keratoplasty of the eyeball cornea are possible.
Causes
This surgical intervention is indicated for the treatment of various dystrophies, as well as infections of the eyeball. According to highly qualified specialists in the field of ophthalmology, there are a number of diseases for which keratoplasty will be the most effective treatment method for the cornea. For example, increased swelling against the background of corneal dystrophy; infectious contamination by a virus, fungus, parasites, or bacteria; severe post-traumatic lesions; chemical and thermal burns; scarring; the so-called "Fuchs' Dystrophies."
Diagnosis of the Eye Cornea in Israel
Each patient undergoes initial diagnostics and elimination of factors that make keratoplasty impossible. As a precautionary measure, to reduce risks, patients are asked to temporarily stop or minimize the use of medications some time before the surgery. It is also necessary to determine the overall health status to confirm the absence of contraindications for the operation.
Corneal Transplantation in Israel
Some time before the surgery, the ophthalmic surgeon will inform about the last intake of fluids and food. It is quite likely that eye drops will be prescribed for the operated eye. Approximately fifteen minutes before the surgical intervention, IV drips will be set up on the veins of the arms to ensure that medications and fluids enter the body intravenously. The area of keratoplasty is anesthetized in two ways: local or general anesthesia. Which method will be used depends on factors such as age, health status, and the body's capabilities. Regardless of the chosen method of anesthesia, the patient feels nothing during the operation. The ophthalmic surgeon will secure the eye during the keratoplasty, so there is nothing to fear. The presence of an operating microscope is mandatory for performing keratoplasty, as absolutely precise movements and actions are required. First, the sizes of the tissues to be removed will be determined. Using a trephine and other surgical instruments, the surgeon excises the infected area. Instead of the removed part of the eye cornea, the donor cornea is placed. Then, it is sutured with super-thin threads to the remaining part of the patient's cornea. After the keratoplasty operation is completed, the doctor conducts a thorough examination of the cornea for precise conformity to the spherical shape of the eyeball. This is done using a keratoscope. Next, standard anti-inflammatory injections and drops are administered for faster recovery and integration of the newly acquired eye cornea.
Prevention
To prevent infections of the cornea, it is essential to strictly follow the doctor's instructions, as despite the highest level of performing such operations and a high level of effectiveness, there remains a risk of rejection of the donor cornea. The immune system varies from person to person, and accordingly, the reaction to keratoplasty can be quite diverse. The types of medications and preventive measures are explained in more detail by the ophthalmic surgeon after the keratoplasty.