Keratoplasty

Corneal transplantation, also known as keratoplasty, is the replacement of a layer or the full thickness of the patient's cornea with a healthy donor cornea. This procedure is performed to treat conditions that cause the cornea to become cloudy, thin, or irregular, such as advanced keratoconus, infectious scar tissue, various types of corneal degenerations and dystrophies, as well as corneal edema and failure following intraocular surgeries.

Surgery

Before procedure

A comprehensive evaluation of general and ocular health is conducted using advanced examination and imaging equipment. Antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed for you starting the day before the surgery. Corneal transplant surgeries are typically performed under general anesthesia, and the patient must fast prior to the procedure.

After procedure

This procedure requires repeated and long-term follow-up. The use of steroid drops (sometimes for over a year) and antibiotics under the close supervision of an ophthalmologist is vital to prevent graft rejection and infection. Protecting the eye from trauma is essential even years after the surgery. Recovery is faster with lamellar graft techniques.

Complication and alarm signs

Corneal graft rejection can manifest as redness, photophobia, pain, and decreased vision, requiring immediate treatment. Intraocular infection (endophthalmitis) is a dangerous complication and necessitates emergency medical attention. Increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma) is expected following surgery. High astigmatism and incomplete suture healing may require corrective glasses, contact lenses, or additional surgical intervention.

More to read

Laser

Retinal PDT

PDT is a two-step treatment primarily used for certain types of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). First, a light-activated drug called verteporfin is infused into a vein in your arm over about 10 minutes. Second, about 15 minutes after the infusion starts, your doctor will shine a non-thermal ("cold") red laser directly onto the leaky blood vessels in your macula for some seconds. The laser activates the drug only in that precise area, causing the abnormal vessels to seal without damaging the overlying retina. The laser itself is not hot and is not felt by the patient.

Laser

Retinal BL

A Barrier Laser is used to treat retinal tears, holes, or areas of significant thinning to prevent retinal detachment. After dilating and numbing your eye, your doctor will place a contact lens. The laser is applied in a pattern of small burns that surround the tear or weak area. These burns create gentle scar tissue that "spot-welds" or "fences off" the problem area, sealing it to the back wall of the eye and preventing fluid from getting underneath to cause a detachment. The procedure typically takes 5-15 minutes. You will see bright flashes and may feel a slight pulsing sensation.

Surgery

Silicone Oil Removal

Silicone oil is a substance injected into the eye at the end of certain complex vitrectomy surgeries (usually for difficult retinal detachments) to hold the retina in place for an extended period. After the retina has fully stabilized (typically several months to a year later), this oil must be removed in a second surgery because over time it can lead to complications such as glaucoma, cataract, or corneal opacity.

Surgery

Ptosis Surgery

Ptosis refers to drooping of the upper eyelid, which can be congenital or acquired (e.g., due to aging, eyelid trauma, or neuromuscular disorders). In severe cases, this drooping can restrict the superior visual field, cause eye fatigue, or be cosmetically bothersome. Surgery aims to elevate the eyelid to an appropriate level and achieve symmetry with the contralateral eye.

Surgery

Strabismus Surgery

This surgery is performed to correct strabismus (misalignment of the eyes). In strabismus, due to an imbalance in the function of the extraocular muscles, the visual axes of the two eyes are not aligned. This can cause diplopia (double vision), amblyopia (lazy eye), and cosmetic and social problems. The surgery aims to restore eye coordination and alignment by strengthening, weakening, or repositioning one or more of the eye muscles.

Surgery

Phaco with PCIOL

This is the standard treatment method for cataract. In cataract, the eye's natural clear lens gradually becomes cloudy, like a fogged-up window, blurring vision, fading colors, and making night vision difficult. Phaco surgery involves making a small incision in the cornea, breaking up and removing the clouded lens using ultrasound waves, and replacing it with a clear artificial lens (IOL).