Cornea

The cornea serves as the transparent outer layer located at the forefront of the eyeball, akin to a pristine window granting access to the inner workings of the eye.

Through this clear medium, one can observe the captivating presence of the colored iris and the central black dot known as the pupil, all visible to the naked eye.

With remarkable functionality, the cornea aids in the precise concentration of luminous rays onto the retina, the extraordinary film residing at the posterior of the eye, akin to capturing a vivid picture. This captured imagery is then diligently transmitted to the ever-curious brain.

However, in unfortunate circumstances where damage befalls the cornea, its once transparent nature may diminish, or worse yet, its very shape may undergo alteration.

Such distressing changes possess the ability to obstruct the passage of light, thus impeding its journey to reach the retina. Consequently, the intricate picture being transmitted to the brain is shrouded in distortion and uncertainty, leaving one to perceive a perplexing and indistinct reality.

The type of corneal transplant chosen will be determined by the specific area of the cornea that is damaged or requires replacement. There are several options available, including:

1. Penetrating Keratoplasty (PK): This involves a complete transplant of the cornea, including all layers.

2. Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK): This procedure focuses on replacing or reshaping the outer and middle layers of the cornea.

3. Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK): This method replaces the deeper layers of the cornea.

The cornea transplant can be performed either under general anesthesia, where you are unconscious, or local anesthesia, where the area is numbed and you remain awake.

Typically, the surgery lasts less than an hour, and depending on individual circumstances, you may be discharged on the same day or kept overnight for observation.

In cases where the outer cornea is transplanted, stitches are used to secure the new tissue in place. These stitches usually remain for more than 12 months.

However, in an endothelial transplant (EK), stitches are not required. Instead, the new tissue is held in place by an air bubble, which gradually disappears over a few days as it naturally adheres to the deep layer of the cornea.