Corneal Surgery
About Corneal Surgery
Corneal surgery refers to various surgical procedures that target the cornea – the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye. These surgeries aim to correct vision problems, treat diseases, or repair injuries to the cornea.
The Procedure
Corneal surgery refers to procedures performed on the cornea, the clear front layer of the eye. Here’s a simplified overview of what generally happens during a corneal transplant, one of the most common corneal surgeries:
- Preparation: Before surgery, the eye is numbed, usually with local anesthesia, so the patient doesn’t feel pain.
- Removal of Damaged Cornea: A circular section of the patient’s damaged or diseased cornea is carefully removed using precise instruments.
- Placement of Donor Cornea: A matching section from a healthy donor cornea is placed in the gap created by the removal.
- Securing the New Cornea: The donor cornea is sutured (stitched) into place. The stitches are very fine and may remain in the eye for months to a year or more, depending on the patient’s healing process.
- Recovery: After surgery, a shield or patch is often placed over the eye to protect it.
Post-surgery, patients may need to use medicated eye drops for several months to prevent infection and reduce inflammation. Vision often improves gradually over many months.
Remember, this is a basic overview of a corneal transplant. There are different types of corneal surgeries, each with its own specific steps and post-op care. Always consult with an ophthalmologist for detailed information specific to the procedure.
Aftercare
After the treatment:
- Have someone drive you home
- Wear sunglasses if your eyes feel sensitive to light
- Try to rest your eyes as much as possible
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the procedure take long?
The length of the procedure will depend on the procedure performed. Consult Dr Katie for a more accurate estimate.
Is the procedure painful?
During corneal surgery, the eye is typically numbed using local anesthesia, so patients should not feel pain. However, sensations of pressure or movement might be experienced, which can be unsettling for some people but are not painful.
After the surgery, especially once the anesthesia wears off, some discomfort, itchiness, or a gritty feeling might be present. Pain intensity varies among individuals and by the type of corneal surgery performed. For instance, patients who undergo a corneal transplant (keratoplasty) might experience more discomfort than those who have refractive surgeries like PRK or LASIK.
Any post-surgical pain is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications. If a patient experiences severe pain after the surgery, it's crucial to contact the ophthalmologist as it might indicate a complication.
In summary, while the surgery itself should be pain-free due to anesthesia, some discomfort can occur during the recovery process.
Is the procedure safe?
Corneal surgeries, when performed by experienced ophthalmologists, are generally safe and have high success rates. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks.