Content
Corneal transplantation is a surgical procedure that aims to replace the altered cornea with a healthy one, promoting improvement in the person's visual capacity, since the cornea is the transparent tissue that lines the eye and is associated with the formation of the image.
In the postoperative period of the corneal transplant, the person is released with a dressing in the eye that should only be removed by the doctor on the postoperative visit the next day. During this period one should avoid making efforts and eat healthy, drinking plenty of water to keep the body and the new cornea well hydrated. With the evolution of types of corneal transplantation, visual recovery has become faster and faster.
At the consultation, the doctor will remove the dressing and the person will be able to see, although the vision is still a little blurred initially, gradually it becomes clearer.
When is indicated
Corneal transplantation is indicated when there are changes in this structure that interfere with the person's visual capacity, that is, when changes in the curvature, transparency or regularity of the cornea are verified.
Thus, the transplant can be indicated in case of infections that affect the cornea, as in the case of ocular herpes, presence of ulcers, dystrophy, keratitis or keratoconus, in which the cornea becomes thinner and curved, interfering directly in the visual capacity, and may greater sensitivity to light and blurred vision. Learn more about keratoconus and main symptoms.
Postoperative care
After corneal transplant surgery there is usually no pain, however some people may be more sensitive to light and a feeling of sand in their eyes, however these sensations usually disappear over time.
It is important to adopt some precautions after corneal transplantation to avoid rejection and possible complications, being recommended:
- Rest during the 1st day;
- Do not wet the dressing;
- Use the eyedrops and medicines prescribed by the doctor, after removing the dressing;
- Avoid rubbing the operated eye;
- Use acrylic protection to sleep so as not to press your eyes;
- Wear sunglasses when exposed to the sun and also indoors when the lights are on (if you bother);
- Avoid physical exercise in the first week after the transplant;
- Sleep to the opposite side of the operated eye.
During the corneal transplant recovery period, it is important that the person is aware of the appearance of signs and symptoms of corneal rejection, such as red eye, eye pain, decreased vision or excessive sensitivity to light, it is important to consult the ophthalmologist for evaluation is carried out and the best attitude can be taken.
After the transplant, it is also important to have regular consultations with the ophthalmologist so that the recovery is monitored and the success of the treatment is guaranteed.
Signs of transplant rejection
Rejection to the transplanted cornea can happen to anyone who has had this transplant and although it is more common in the first few months after surgery, rejection can happen even 30 years after this procedure.
Usually the signs of transplant rejection appear 14 days after the transplant, with redness of the eyes, blurred or blurred vision, pain in the eyes and photophobia, in which the person has difficulty keeping his eyes open in very bright places or in the sun. .
Corneal transplant rejection is rare to happen, however it is easier to have in people who have already undergone another transplant in which there was rejection by the body, and it can also occur in younger people where there are signs of eye inflammation, glaucoma or herpes, for example.
To reduce the risk of rejection, the ophthalmologist usually recommends the use of corticosteroids in the form of an ointment or eye drops, such as 1% prednisolone acetate, to be applied directly to the transplanted eye and immunosuppressive drugs.