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Cornea Transplant in Oklahoma City, OK

What Is a Cornea Transplant?

A cornea transplant, also known as corneal grafting, is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy tissue from a donor. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye and plays a crucial role in focusing light onto the retina, enabling clear vision. The procedure can vary in technique, including penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), which replaces the entire cornea, as well as partial-thickness transplants like Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), which target only specific layers of the cornea. By restoring transparency and structural integrity to the cornea, these surgeries can significantly improve vision and quality of life for patients suffering from corneal diseases. At BVA Advanced Eye Care, we offer corneal transplant services at our locations in and around Oklahoma City, OK to help you regain your clear vision. Contact your nearest location to learn more.

How Is Cornea Transplant Performed?

Your surgery will be performed as an outpatient procedure under anesthesia at BVA Advanced Care. The procedure will vary based on the technique used. Techniques often used include:

DSEK: A partial-thickness DSEK transplant takes approximately 15 – 20 minutes and is conducted in an outpatient setting. After numbing your eyes with anesthetic drops, your surgeon will make a tiny incision to remove the damaged endothelial tissue. The healthy donor tissue is then precisely positioned into the inner layer of your cornea. Once this new tissue bonds with your natural eye, you can expect renewed vision and improved eye function. The incision will typically heal on its own, though it may require 1 – 2 sutures if necessary.
DMEK: DMEK is also a partial-thickness transplant that lasts about 30 minutes and is performed as an outpatient procedure. Your surgeon will begin by numbing your eye with specialized drops. An incision will then be made to remove the diseased layer of corneal tissue, after which the healthy donor tissue is placed into your eye and positioned using an air or gas bubble. This method involves only a small incision, which usually heals on its own, though it may be sutured with 1 – 2 stitches if needed.
Penetrating Keratoplasty (PKP): A penetrating keratoplasty procedure takes about an hour in an outpatient surgery setting. After numbing your eyes with specialized drops, a small incision is made to excise the damaged corneal tissue. Your ophthalmologist will then replace it with the donor tissue. Recovery from PKP can take up to a year, but many patients experience improved vision sooner. Sutures will typically need to be removed between 6 – 12 months after the surgery, depending on the remaining astigmatism levels.

What Are the Benefits of a Cornea Transplant?

A cornea transplant provides several important benefits that can greatly enhance a patient’s quality of life. Benefits of a cornea transplant include:

Restoration of vision
Reduction of pain or discomfort
Improved overall eye health
Increased independence from glasses or contact lenses
Enhanced quality of life

Cornea Transplant FAQ

Is a cornea transplant painful?

Cornea transplant procedures are performed under anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during surgery. Some discomfort and mild irritation are normal during recovery, but your doctor will provide medication and guidance to manage wide effects effectively. There may also be follow-up appointments to monitor your healing.

What are the risks associated with a cornea transplant?

Like any surgical procedure, a cornea transplant carries some risks. These can include infection, rejection of the donor cornea, increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma), swelling of the cornea, or complications with healing. Your surgeon at BVA Advanced Eye Care will discuss these risks with you and provide instructions to minimize them during recovery.

How can I make recovery from a cornea transplant easier?

Recovery from a cornea transplant can be made easier by following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully in Oklahoma City, OK. These may include using prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation, avoiding strenuous activities, and protecting your eye from potential injuries.

Advanced Vision Care

If you are experiencing vision issues due to corneal disease, a cornea transplant may be the solution you need. At BVA Advanced Eye Care, our experienced team specializes in various procedures, including PKP eye surgery, DSEK eye surgery, and DMEK eye surgery, to restore your vision and improve your quality of life. Don’t wait any longer to regain clear sight; schedule a consultation at one of our Oklahoma City, OK locations today.