There are certain medical conditions and diseases of the eye that require you to get a new cornea. This procedure is called a corneal transplant. It is performed by removing your damaged cornea and replacing it with new cornea, in order to improve your eyesight. Here are some different reasons you might need the corneal transplant.
Does your cornea look like a cone?
Another reason you might need a corneal transplant is if your cornea is shaped like a cone. If it bulges out of your eye and comes to a point, you have a condition called keratoconus. This can have a negative effect on vision, and also make it difficult to wear glasses or contacts. The vision loss from this condition can also worsen over time, so it is likely that you will need the transplant at some point. The eye doctor will remove your dome-shaped cornea and replace it with brand new cornea that restores your vision.
Do you have Fuch's Dystrophy?
You may also need a transplant if you have an eye condition called Fuch's Dystrophy. This occurs when you have swelling and clouding of your cornea. It is a condition that tends to start subtly, and gradually worsen as you age. With this condition, there is a layer of cells in the cornea called endothelium that get excessive fluid build-up. When this happens, it causes your vision to become clouded and blurry. A transplant will help correct your vision.
Have you burned your cornea?
A severe corneal burn could also require you to get a corneal transplant. If you have come into contact with chemicals that burned your eyes, this is likely to happen. The extent of the burn will determine if you need a transplant or if other treatments will be effective. The most damage is typically done by alkaline chemical burns since they can bypass the top layers of your cornea.
Do you have an infection?
If you have recently had an infection in one or both of your eyes, you might end up needing a corneal transplant. This is the worst case scenario, but it does happen. You might have an infection in your eye and you don't get it treated right away, which could cause the problem to escalate. Infections of the eye come from many different sources, including a virus, bacteria, or amoeba. The infection can scar your cornea when it advances, which would affect your vision and require the surgery.
For more information about eye care, contact a company like the Bethany Vision Clinic.
Share13 August 2015
Growing up, one of my best friends was also my cousin. This special cousin and I shared something in common. We both had fiery red hair. When we were kids, many people thought we were sisters when they saw us together. Sadly, my cousin was born with crossed eyes, and because of her condition, she was often ridiculed by the other kids at school. As we grew older we began researching modern ways to correct her problem. Together we found the perfect solution. If you were born with crossed eyes, don’t despair. You do have hope. On this blog, you will discover the latest treatments optometrists use to help cure a patient’s crossed eyes.
