Ceratoplasty is a medical term commonly used in ophthalmology to describe a surgical procedure that involves the transplantation or replacement of the cornea. Also known as corneal transplant or corneal graft, ceratoplasty aims to treat severe corneal diseases or injuries that have caused significant damage to this transparent, dome-shaped structure at the front of the eye.
During ceratoplasty, a healthy cornea from a donor, usually obtained from an eye bank, is carefully matched and transplanted onto the recipient's cornea. This procedure can be performed in various ways, including penetrating keratoplasty, where the entire cornea is replaced, or lamellar keratoplasty, which involves replacing only specific layers of the cornea.
Ceratoplasty is typically recommended to restore vision, improve corneal structure, and alleviate symptoms caused by conditions such as keratoconus, corneal scarring, corneal dystrophies, corneal edema, or corneal ulcers that have not responded to other treatments. The success of a ceratoplasty depends on various factors, including the skill of the surgeon, the quality of the donor cornea, and the patient's overall eye health.
Post-operative care and follow-up visits are crucial to monitor the healing process and ensure that the transplanted cornea is properly integrated and functioning well. Immunosuppressive medications may also be prescribed to prevent rejection of the donor tissue. While ceratoplasty is generally considered a safe and effective procedure, risks and complications, such as rejection, infection, or damage to the eye, can occur.
