Cornea Transplant Surgery Alternatives &
Procedure ‐ Cornea Consultants of Albany,
New York
A corneal transplant involves surgically replacing a diseased or scarred
cornea with a new one. When the cornea becomes cloudy, light cannot
penetrate the eye to reach the light‐sensitive retina. Poor vision or
blindness may result.
In corneal transplant surgery, Drs.Schultze and Eden remove the central
portion of the cloudy cornea and replace it with a clear cornea, usually
donated through an eye bank. They place the new cornea in the
opening and secure it in place with a very fine suture. The suture stays
in for months or even years until the eye heals properly (removing this
fine suture is quite simple and can easily be done in office). For several
months following surgery, eye drops are used to promote healing.
Corneal transplants are very common in the United States; about
40,000 are performed each year. Success rates have greatly improved
with incorporation of technology and advanced surgical techniques.
In general, success rates of corneal transplantation are approximately
90% and the average longevity of surgery is 10 years. Depending on any
pre‐existing conditions, success rates can vary. Some patients maintain
a clear cornea for over 20 years after surgery and some become cloudy
within months. Surgery can be repeated if necessary.
Are there alternatives to a corneal transplant?
Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is one of the latest advances in
eye care for the treatment of corneal dystrophies, corneal scars, and
certain corneal infections. Only a short time ago, people with these
disorders would most likely have needed a corneal transplant. By
combining the precision of the excimer laser (This laser emits pulses of
ultraviolet light‐‐a laser beam‐‐to etch away surface irregularities of
corneal tissue.) with the control of a computer, doctors can vaporize
microscopically thin layers of diseased corneal tissue and etch away the
surface irregularities associated with many corneal