Corneal Transplant FAQ's in Dallas, TX
Certain eye conditions and injuries damage the cornea to the point that it can't heal or be repaired. When this happens, it must be replaced in order to restore good sight. One way this is done is by transplanting a new, natural cornea into the eye. Here are some facts about this process:
Do You Have to be Blind in Order to Get a Corneal Transplant?
You do not have to be legally blind in order to get a transplant, but this is a process for people with significantly deteriorated vision. When vision hasn't yet reached this point, other solutions are likely to still be effective.
Where do Replacement Corneas Come From?
Natural corneas typically come from a medical storage facility called an "eye bank" or "cornea bank." The facility gets its corneas from people who have agreed to donate them after death.
How Many Types of Corneal Transplants Are There?
There are two types of corneal transplants: penetrating and lamellar. A penetrating corneal transplant involves the replacement of the entire cornea, while the lamellar version replaces only select layers.
What is the Success Rate of Corneal Transplants?
The success rate has been monitored out to 10 years in a variety of subjects. Results depend on which condition caused the need for the transplant. Here is the success rate for those with some specific conditions:
- 89% for keratoconus
- 73% for Fuchs' dystrophy
- 60-70% for corneal scarring
Is Vision Correction Needed After a Transplant?
Yes. A transplanted cornea has an irregular surface. This causes irregular astigmatism or the presence of multiple focal points within the eye. Therefore, contact lenses are needed to provide visual clarity. The lenses used are special hard contacts known as scleral contacts, which vault over the surface of the cornea to rest on the sclera. These have been found to provide a significant improvement over the old, small lenses that were once prescribed.
Can I Wear Glasses Instead of Contacts?
Contacts are not always needed post-transplant and glasses can sometimes be worn. Fortunately, scleral contact lenses are quite comfortable for corneal transplant patients. The ones used for this purpose are specially made to correct for irregular astigmatism.
Where Do I Get These Contact Lenses?
You can get your prescription updated and order lenses from your preferred optometrist in Dallas TX. This will allow you to keep your clear vision as your eyes change through the years.
Contact Us Today
We serve residents of the greater Dallas and Fort Worth areas. For corneal conditions and treatment options, contact our eye office today at (214) 739-8611.