Corneal Graft (Penetrating Keratoplasty)
It is 100 years now since the first corneal graft was performed, the first transplantation of an organ. This highly successful operation is usually undertaken by a corneal specialist.
Common reasons for having a corneal graft
corneal scarring ( after injury, infection etc.)
corneal astigmatism not treatable by contact lenses ( including Keratoconus)
corneal oedema ( including Fuch's Corneal Dystrophy)
Surgery may be undertaken with the patient either awake with a local block usually with light sedation, or under a general anaesthetic. In either case the patient may go home immediately after the operation. The operation usually takes about 45 minutes.
A small, central, circular disc of the cornea is removed from the affected eye and is replaced by another disc of cornea taken from a donor eye. The graft is then sutured into position by very fine nylon sutures which are so fine as to be virtually invisible to the naked eye; further more they are rapidly covered by the superficial layer of cells and the patient is completely unaware of their presence.
Discomfort either during or following the operation is minimal.
The patient is able to be immediately ambulant; there is no period of extended bed rest like there used to be in the early days of grafting.
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| B08000603 |
