Understanding the purpose of the cornea
The cornea is best described as a clear, dome-shaped area of the eye. The cornea is responsible for protecting the eye from UV light and particles. It uses the light that enters to provide focus and clear vision. When conditions occur to this area, patients may be told by their doctor that they could benefit from the cornea transplant procedure.
What happens during cornea transplant surgery
The procedure used to replace the cornea involves the removal of damaged corneal tissue. A donated cornea is placed to restore one’s vision and eye health. The cornea that replaces the original one is a donation from a deceased donor with healthy corneal tissue.
Recovery following corneal transplant
Patients advised to undergo the corneal transplant procedure will often ask their doctor what they can expect in terms of healing and recovery. After surgery, the eye may feel itchy or irritated. It may feel as though you have sand in your eye. However, patients should avoid rubbing the eye as this can cause damage. Instead, spend several days at home for rest. Most patients will take approximately one week off of work and school as their eye is recovering from surgery. Vision may be blurry for some time, but will resolve on its own with proper healing. Patients will visit their doctor for follow-up visits after the procedure to evaluate the healing process and ensure the corneal transplant is not rejected. Patients should closely follow their post-operative instructions and take any medication as required.
Work with a doctor in ophthalmology to achieve better vision health
If you are facing the possibility of undergoing the cornea transplant procedure and want to learn more about the process and results, we welcome you to book a consultation with our providers at North Suburban Eye Associates, PC. Call (781) 245-5200 to schedule an appointment at any one of our three convenient locations in the communities of Wakefield, Waltham, and Winchester, MA.