| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | Surgery to replace the clear window on the front of the eye (the cornea). |
| Alternative Names | Keratoplasty; Penetrating keratoplasty |
| Description | Most corneal transplant operations are done under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis. This means that the patient is awake but an injection is given to make the eye completely numb. There is no pain. The corneal tissue for transplantation is taken from a donor shortly after death with the permission of the nest if kin. Though most transplant procedures carry the risk of rejection of the transplant tissue or organ, the very limited blood supply of the cornea greatly reduces this risk. Most corneal transplants function extremely well for many years. |
| Indications | Corneal transplantation is recommended for: inherited corneal thinning (keratoconus) with visual distortion scarring of the cornea from severe infections or injuries inherited corneal clouding (Fuch's dystrophy) with visual loss |
| Risks | Risks for any anesthesia are: reactions to medications problems breathing Risks for any surgery are: bleeding , but this is a rare complication since the cornea normally has no blood vessels infection |
| Expectations after surgery | Full visual recovery takes a long time (up to a year), but most patients with successful corneal transplants will enjoy good vision for many years, or even a lifetime. |
| Convalescence | Rest and avoid strenuous activities during the healing phase. |
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