Corneal transplant operations

About the cornea of ​​the eye

The cornea is one of the most important parts of the human eye, as it represents the transparent layer located in the front part of the eye, and it plays a crucial role in facilitating the entry of light into the eye and focusing it on the retina, which contributes to the formation of the image.

When the cornea is injured or damaged, it may lead to vision loss or vision disturbances; Here comes the importance of corneal transplantation as a means of restoring sight and improving quality of life.

What is the corneal transplant process? How is it done? What are the types of corneal transplant surgeries?

Corneal transplant operation

A corneal transplant is a delicate and complex surgical procedure that aims to replace the damaged cornea with a healthy cornea from a donor. This process includes removing the damaged cornea and replacing it with a new cornea obtained from a recently deceased donor.
The details of the procedure vary depending on the type and condition of the cornea treated, but the general goal is to restore and improve visual function.

Types of corneal transplant surgeries

Corneal surgeries vary between 3 basic types, from which the doctor chooses what suits the patient according to the condition, the extent of damage to the corneal tissue, and the condition of the patient himself. The most famous types of corneal transplant surgeries are as follows:
1. Total corneal transplantation (PKP)
It is suitable for people who suffer from deep corneal damage, and during the operation the cornea is completely changed, becoming a comprehensive replacement of the corneal tissue.
2. Flat corneal transplantation (DALK)
It replaces only the damaged superficial layers and replaces them with the superficial part of the donor cornea.
3. Endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK)
 Here, the surgery aims to renew the inner parts of the cornea without changing its outer or middle layers. Only the damaged inner layers are replaced, while the outer and middle layers remain as they are.

The advantages of partial transplantation are that the chances of the body rejecting the transplanted cornea are less than total transplantation

Everything we mentioned is just a quick glimpse into a world full of technologies and progress. You can contact us at the Al-Durra Center, “Dr. Amr Saleh,” one of the most prominent corneal transplant centers in Egypt, to learn more about the corneal transplant process.