Corneal Graft Operations

What is Corneal Graft?

Cornea is like a transparent watch glass situated in front of the eye. It appears black or brown from outside due to the dark structures situated underneath. This transparent structure can become cloudy due to disease or become scarred by injury. Corneal Grafting or KERATOPLASTY is carried out to replace the damaged cornea with a clear one. This clear cornea is obtained from a dead person.

What is it like afterwards?

You will have the operated eye patched for about a day or two after surgery. For the initial few days you may feel some irritation in the eye due to the fine stitches applied. For the first two or three months you must avoid situations where the eye might be bumped. You are also advised not to bend and lift heavy weights. You should be able to return to work after a month.

How long will I have to use medicines and how often should I visit the hospital?

You will usually be prescribed with antibiotic and steroid eye drops. These have to be used meticulously as advised by your eye doctor. Initially you may be advised frequent applications of eye drops, which will be gradually reduced over the next few weeks.

Regular post-operative visits are very important, as there is a risk of rejection. Some patients with rejection may have pain and redness and should seek medical advice immediately. Rejection may also present subtle symptoms or rarely no symptoms at all. Therefore at least monthly visit to the hospital is advisable during first 6 months and from time to time thereafter. Compliance of the patient with regard to drops and follow up visits goes a long way in survival of the graft.