Keratoplasty is a medical procedure used to transplant corneal tissue from a donor to a recipient. The spelling of this word can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as kɛrətəˈplæsti. The "k" corresponds to the hard "c" sound typically found at the beginning of words in English, while the "ɛ" represents a short "e" sound. The "ə" is a schwa, which is a neutral vowel sound that can be difficult for non-native speakers to pronounce. The final "i" represents a long "i" sound, and the stress falls on the second syllable.
Keratoplasty is a medical procedure involving surgical removal and replacement of the cornea, which is the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. This intricate procedure is typically performed to improve or restore vision in patients who have corneal damage or disease that cannot be treated with other methods.
During keratoplasty, a small circular section of the cornea is excised and substituted with corneal tissue obtained from a deceased human donor. The harvested donor cornea is meticulously matched and selected based on various factors, such as size, curvature, and possible tissue compatibility. The replacement tissue is then skillfully stitched onto the affected eye using extremely fine sutures or an adhesive substance.
There are several types of keratoplasty procedures, including penetrating keratoplasty (full-thickness replacement), anterior lamellar keratoplasty (partial thickness replacement), and Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (replacement of only the innermost corneal layer). Each type of keratoplasty may be appropriate for different corneal conditions and requirements.
Keratoplasty is considered a major surgical intervention that carries some risks, including infection, rejection of the transplant, or astigmatism. However, it has proven to be a highly successful procedure in restoring vision and improving quality of life for many individuals with corneal disorders. Regular follow-up appointments, medicated eye drops, and compliance with post-operative care are vital for a successful keratoplasty outcome.
The word "keratoplasty" comes from the combination of two Greek words. "Kerato" (κερατό) derives from the Greek word "keras" (κέρας), which means "horn" or "hard" and is typically used to refer to the cornea of the eye. "Plasty" (πλαστής) comes from the Greek word "plassein" (πλάσσειν), which means "to mold" or "to shape". Therefore, "keratoplasty" combines these two elements to describe a surgical procedure that involves the reshaping or transplantation of the cornea.