Organ Transplantation

Corneal Transplant

What we call the cornea is the transparent layer in front of the colored part of the eye, namely the iris. All of the rays coming from the outside to the eye first pass through this layer, then pass through this tissue and reach the retina, and the vision process is realized with the help of nerves. If a problem occurs in the cornea that affects vision, it is possible to transplant another cornea that is compatible and healthy. Of course, a tissue sample is taken from the healthy cornea and some tests are applied to test whether this transplant is compatible. So, how does corneal transplantation take place? Let's examine the details together.

Cornea Transplantation Details

The ability of the cornea to maintain its transparency is very important for the realization of the visual function. If the cornea starts to lose its transparency due to some hereditary diseases or corneal edema that does not go away after cataract surgery, or if there is a defect in its shape, the patient begins to be unable to see. And corneal transplantation is needed to restore vision.

For corneal transplantation, it is possible to use the entire corneal tissue, as well as only the upper or lower layer. Another factor that provides an important advantage in tissue transplantation is that the cornea is composed of a nonvascular structure. Thus, the cells cannot reach the foreign tissue and a situation such as tissue rejection does not occur. This advantage ensures that corneal transplantation is more successful when compared to other transplantations.

How is Full Thickness Cornea Transplantation Performed?

During full-thickness corneal transplantation, the patient is given local or general anesthesia depending on the situation. Afterward, the patient’s eye area is disinfected and closed with the help of a sterile drape. The transplantation process is completed through the marked corneal center, and then this surgical procedure is terminated by using an antibiotic drug. Corneal transplantation takes approximately 30-40 minutes.

After Full Thickness Cornea Transplantation

After a corneal transplant, the person may feel slight stinging or watering in their eyes, this is quite normal and may last for several weeks. On the day of surgery, the patient’s eye is covered with a special bandage. However, it cannot be expected that the visual level will increase all of a sudden. The drops and drugs recommended by the doctor should be used regularly and the doctor should be checked at the specified times. You will witness that the sense of sight will increase during this time. The stitches are removed one year after the transplantation.

Fibo Health provides quality treatment options in Turkey to the patients who are coming from all around the world. Istanbul is one of the most populous cities in the world. There are many hospitals and clinics that provide world-class care for their patients. Fibo Health’s team searches for the best doctors and hospitals, so we make sure to bring you to the most experienced health care professionals in Turkey.