The cornea is the clear outer layer that protects your eyes from dust, dirt, and other factors that cause damage such as the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. If your cornea is damaged by infection, disease, or an external injury, it can affect your eyesight. In some cases, a corneal transplant becomes necessary.
The Structure of Cornea
The cornea has different layers. To detect potential corneal problems, you need to know and understand the structure of the cornea. The 5 layers of the cornea are,
- Epithelium
- Bowman’s Layer
- Corneal Stroma
- Descemet’s Membrane
- Corneal Endothelium
The Common Conditions that Damage Your Cornea
A healthy cornea is a sign of healthy eyes. But if it gets damaged for some reason or conditions, then the transparency of the layer lessens, resulting in blurred vision. Mentioned below are some of the most common cornea damaging conditions that might impact your vision.
- Allergies
Allergies are the most common condition that can damage your cornea. You will face a lot of eye allergy issues that can be harmful to your cornea. Typically allergies are triggered by,
- Pollen allergy.
- Outdoor allergens.
- Indoor allergens such as dander, mold, and dust.
- Irritants like perfume and smoke.
Though these can be treated by home remedies, you may sometimes need to visit an eye specialist to get rid of allergies.
- Infections
Eye infection is the second common condition that has an impact on your cornea. It can affect one, both, and part of your eyes. Because the cornea does not have any blood vessels, it is less preventive against infections. Pink eye, corneal ulcers, and viral infections are some of the conditions that damage the outermost layer.
- Dry Eye
Ocular Surface Disease or commonly known as dry eye is another common condition that you may experience. Tears play an important role in maintaining your eye health as they wash away irritants and dirt to keep the surface clean and moist. Dry eye can happen because of,
- Using contact lenses for long hours
- Allergies
- Pollutants
- Skin disease around your eyes
- Tobacco smoke
- Chemical exposure
You can keep dry eye conditions at bay if you maintain your eye health at home. However, if the condition persists for a long time, it can be painful and thus you need medical help.
- Corneal Dystrophies
This is another common condition that damages your cornea. In this case, the regular clarity of your cornea changes due to change in shape or increase in the semi-transparent layer. While some dystrophies are mild, some can be harmful and can cause permanent visual impairment. You need to go for regular eye check-ups in this case.
- Shingles
Herpes Zoster, commonly known as shingle, is another common damage-causing condition for your cornea that can be associated with other diseases. It is directly connected to the central nervous system of our body and when reactivated, can cause rashes and blisters inside your cornea.
- Keratoconus
This is a condition where the shape of your cornea becomes like a cone instead of the usual dome-shaped.
- Bullous Keratopathy
This is another condition that damages your cornea. In this case, a blister-like swelling happens in your cornea that causes pain, distorted vision, and discomfort in your eyes.
All You Need to Know about Cornea Transplant Surgery
When your cornea gets damaged that cannot be improved or cured with medication and home remedies, you need to go for a cornea transplant surgery. There are many things that you need to know before going for the surgery. Mentioned below are the most important ones.
About Cornea Transplant
The term corneal transplant, also known as keratoplasty refers to the surgical procedure where the cornea is removed from the donor to replace the damaged one on the patient’s eye. The keratoplasty process reduces pain and also helps to improve the appearance of the damaged one, thus enhancing eyesight. Consult Dr Cameron McLintock, the best ophthalmologist in Brisbane to get your corneal transplant done.
Types of Corneal Transplant
You will find various types of corneal transplants when you visit an ophthalmologist’s chamber. Here are the 3 types of keratoplasty explained.
- Penetrating Keratoplasty
Penetrating keratoplasty is full-thickness corneal transplant surgery. In this process, a full-thickness circular section of the cornea is removed and replaced with a similar-sized one from the cornea donor. The transplant tissue is stitched to the eye with the help of very tiny sutures. The insertion and the cut must be done precisely so that is secured to its regular shape. Some days after the surgery, the stitches are removed and measures such as contact lenses, glasses, lens implant, and laser surgery are done for better vision.
- Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty
The DALK surgery is another type of cornea transplant on the diseased cornea where the innermost layer remains healthy. In this surgery, 80% to 90% of the cornea is removed and then replaced by a cornea donor. Some benefits of DALK are,
- Less risk of complications like infection and bleeding.
- Reduce threatening to the vision.
- The natural immune system accepts the surgery as the inner layer remains healthy.
- Takes less time.
- Better long term vision survival.
Most people try to opt for this operation method for its benefits.
- Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty
The DMEK is a cornea transplant technique that has been developed very recently. In this process, the innermost cornea layer is replaced. A 15 micrometer of the cornea tissue layer is removed from the donor and then grafted inside the eye through a micro-incision already made in the damaged cornea. The tissue gets unfolded and is floated in the exact position with the help of an air bubble. The best vision can be achieved within 3 months of operation.
Symptoms for Corneal Transplant
When you require a corneal transplant, you may experience symptoms like,
- Blurring vision.
- Cloudy eyes.
- White cast over your eyes.
- Pain in your eyes.
Conclusion
Corneal transplant or keratoplasty is a great opportunity to get a clear vision. If you have damaged cornea or you need transplant surgery, consult with the best ophthalmologist, and discuss various options to improve your vision.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind