Your eye has several layers. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped outer layer that sits in front of the black pupil and colored iris. Sometimes, the cornea can become diseased, making it less clear. This affects your vision.
How does the cornea become diseased?
There are many causes for corneal disease, and three common causes often require surgery:
- Keratoconus: a condition in which the cornea takes on a cone shape and causes blurred vision.
- Endothelial decompensation: a condition that causes the cornea to become inflamed and cloudy.
- Scarring: The cornea can scar if it has an infection or serious injury that causes inflammation.
Corneal transplant surgery is performed to improve the patient's vision, and Clínica Nivaria is a pioneer in corneal and corneal endothelium transplantation, being the leading private center of reference for regional ophthalmological centers for this type of surgery, one of the newest and most advanced techniques currently available.
Are there alternatives to corneal transplantation?
There are different types of glasses and contact lenses that can help. If you have keratoconus, ultraviolet light can sometimes prevent it from worsening. If you have endothelial decompensation, eye drops may be helpful. One of our leading ophthalmologists in Santa Cruz de Tenerife will give you the best recommendations.
What does corneal transplant surgery involve?
Several anesthetic techniques are possible, including a general anesthetic or a local anesthetic injected around the eye to numb it. The surgery usually lasts between 1 and 2 hours.
Our ophthalmologists at Clínica Nivaria will remove the central portion of the diseased cornea and replace it with a portion of a donor cornea. The surgeon may replace:
- Entire cornea (penetrating keratoplasty).
- The outer layers (deep lamellar keratoplasty) or
- Only the inner layer (endothelial keratoplasty).
How should patients prepare for the operation?
If the surgery is performed under local anesthesia, patients must remain lying down and still during the operation. For patients who are a little more nervous or restless, we have several options to make the procedure more comfortable.
Our nurses will cover the patient's face with a cloth so our surgeon can work on a clean surface. Air is gently blown into the nose.
What complications can occur?
Corneal transplant surgery has the same general complications as any operation, including:
- Bleeding and inflammation.
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to equipment, materials, or medications.
- Chest infection.
- Increased eye pressure.
- Transplant failure.
What is the recovery like after corneal transplant surgery?
Patients are usually discharged the same day or the next day. Our eye care team provides eye drops and prescribes medications to take home.
Patients are advised not to swim or lift heavy objects until they are cleared by our specialists. Vision may take up to two years to improve.
If you or a member of your family is suffering from corneal problems, we welcome you to our Ophthalmology Clinic located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife . Contact us and schedule an appointment with one of our professionals. You'll receive the best ophthalmological care in the Canary Islands!
