Corneal Transplant Care

Your ophthalmologist may do the following:

• Physical exam
• Blood tests

Before the procedure:

• Talk to your doctor about your medicines. Also, discuss any herbs or vitamins you take. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:
  • Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin)
• Arrange to have someone drive you home.
• Arrange for help at home after the procedure.
• Use any eye drops as instructed by your ophthalmologist.
• The day before, do not eat or drink anything after midnight (unless told otherwise by your doctor).

Two types of anesthesia can be used during a corneal transplant:

• Local anesthesia (most commonly used) to numb the eye-You will stay awake.
• General anesthesia -You will be asleep.

The procedure will be done under a surgical microscope. The damaged part of the cornea will be cut out. The new cornea will then be placed in the opening. The new cornea will be fastened with very fine stitches. Finally, a patch and shield will be put over the eye.

There is a newer technique, called Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK). DSEK is used for some types of cornea transplants. It may result in shorter recovery time and better vision. With this technique, the doctor removes a much smaller part of the cornea, compared with older procedures. DSEK is not widely available yet in the US, but it is becoming more popular.

1-2 hours

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. You may have slight soreness for a few days after the procedure. Ask your doctor about medicine to help with the pain.

You will most likely go home after a few hours in the recovery area.

After you leave the hospital, you should rest for the remainder of the day. When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

• Continue to wear the eye patch until your doctor instructs you to remove it.
• Use eye drops as prescribed.
• Wear glasses during the day, and wear a shield to protect your eye at night.
• Protect your eye from accidental bumps or pokes.
• Do not rub or press on your eye.
• Do not swim until allowed by your doctor.
• Avoid contact sports.
• Do not drive until your doctor gives you permission.
• Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions .

Your eye will be checked several times during the following weeks and months. Stitches are usually left in place for at least several months.