What is Cornea?
The cornea is the clear front surface of the eye. It lies directly in front of the iris and pupil, and it allows light to enter the eye. it is a person’s ‘window’ to the outside world. It allows transmission of light into the eye and helps to focus the light on to the retina- the photographic layer of the eye.
Who Needs Corneal Transplantation?
The most common reason for performing a keratoplasty is to improve
diminished vision. More rarely, the surgery is performed to treat a chronic corneal
infection. In extremely rare cases, the operation is performed for cosmetic reasons,
when corneal scars have affected the appearance of the eye.
Am I A Candidate For Corneal Transplant?
Donations Change Lives
Your cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped surface of your eye that accounts for a
large part of your eye's focusing power. A cornea transplant (keratoplasty) is a
surgical procedure to replace part of your cornea with corneal tissue from a donor.
A cornea transplant can restore vision, reduce pain and improve the appearance of a
damaged or diseased cornea.
Blindness is a major health problem in developing countries like India.
The major causes of blindness in India are cataracts and glaucoma, followed by corneal blindness.
The global burden of blindness has been estimated by 39 million.
Out of the blind in India about 6.8 million are blind due to corneal pathology of
whom 1 million have bilateral blindness. This figure of corneal blindness is expected to increase to 10.6
million by 2020. According to NPCB & (National Programmed for Control of Blindness) there are 120,000 blind people
in India due to corneal disease and there is an additional need for 25,000 to 30,000 corneas every year.
Who Can Donate Corneal Tissue?
Everyone is a universal donor for corneal tissue — the donor’s blood type
does not have to match the blood type of the recipient. Age, eye color and eyesight are
not factors either. Aside from those suffering from infections or a few highly
communicable diseases, most people are potential cornea donors. Under the following
conditions donation cannot occur: HIV or AIDS, Active Hepatitis, Active Syphilis,
Rabies, Viral Encephalitis, Leukemia, Active Lymphoma, or Active Meningitis.
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Corneal abrasion A scratched cornea can be very painful and can lead to an eye infection.
Pterygium A pterygium is a fibrous growth that starts on the sclera but can grow into the peripheral cornea and cause irritation, vision problems and disfigurement of the front of the eye.
Dry Eyes Though the cause of dry eyes typically begins in the tears gland and eyelids, it can lead to damage of the corneal epithelium, which causes eye discomfort and vision disturbances.
Thease days increased screen time on computer and mobile is also a major reason behind dry eye problem; also known as computer vision Syndrome .
Corneal ulcer A corneal ulcer is a serious abscess-like infection of the cornea that can lead to significant pain, scarring and vision loss.
Corneal dystrophy A dystrophy is a weakening or degeneration of a tissue. The most common corneal dystrophy — called Fuch's dystrophy — affects the corneal endothelium, causing corneal swelling, foggy vision, light sensitivity and other problems.
Acanthamoeba keratitis This is a very serious and painful corneal infection that can cause significant pain and vision loss.
Fungal keratitis Fungal keratitis is another dangerous corneal infection that (like Acanthamoeba keratitis) tends to affect contact lens wearers more often than people who wear glasses
Keratoconus This is a thinning and deformation of the cornea that causes vision problems that can't be corrected with regular eyeglasses or contact lenses. In some cases, vision problems from keratoconus can be corrected with scleral contact lenses or hybrid contacts. But in severe cases, a cornea transplant may be required.
Corneal ectasia This is thinning and deformation of the cornea that resembles keratoconus but occurs as a rare complication of LASIK or other corneal refractive surgery.
Corneal Topography
Corneal Topography is a diagnostic technique that provides a detailed mapping of the curvature and shape of the cornea, the transparent front surface of the eye. By employing advanced imaging technology, corneal topography generates a three-dimensional representation of the cornea, allowing eye care professionals to analyze its contours and detect irregularities. This invaluable tool aids in the diagnosis and management of various eye conditions, including astigmatism, keratoconus, and other corneal abnormalities. With its ability to offer precise measurements and visualizations, corneal topography plays a crucial role in guiding decisions related to refractive surgeries, contact lens fittings, and the overall assessment of corneal health, contributing to enhanced eye care and improved vision outcomes.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technology that revolutionizes the way we visualize and understand eye structures. By employing light waves to capture high-resolution cross-sectional images of the retina, OCT enables precise assessments of ocular tissues. This advanced diagnostic tool is instrumental in detecting and monitoring various eye conditions, including macular degeneration and glaucoma. Its ability to provide detailed, real-time images assists eye care professionals in early diagnosis and effective management, contributing significantly to the preservation of vision and overall eye health.
Perimetry
Perimetry or a Visual Field Test is a diagnostic test that assesses the visual field of an individual, measuring their ability to perceive stimuli at various points in their field of vision. Typically used in the evaluation of conditions like glaucoma or neurological disorders, perimetry involves the presentation of lights or objects at different intensities and locations within the visual field. The patient responds to these stimuli, and the results help eye care professionals map and analyze any abnormalities or defects in the visual field. This test plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing conditions that impact peripheral vision, guiding effective treatment strategies for optimal eye care.
Types Of Keratoplasty Procedures
Keratoplasty is a relatively low-risk surgical procedure. It is the most common type of
transplant surgery currently performed and has the highest rate of success. There are several
different corneal transplant methods available to help restore vision in patients with corneal
problems.
Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking (C3R)
EKeratoconus is a disease in which cornea starts expanding into a conical shape. This eye syndrome is progressive and can’t be reversed. When diagnosed early, C3R therapy helps in stabilizing it and in advanced stages, corneal transplantation techniques are helpful. This minimally invasive process enhances corneal strength by inducing crosslinking of collagen fibres. C3R helps in stabilizing keratoconus in early stage and prevents further progression of disease and need of corneal transplantation.
