Services

Modern Cornea Transplants

A cornea transplant is a procedure which is done to replace the cornea, the clear front layer of the eye. Dr Davey also performs modern DMEK and DSAEK cornea graft surgeries. These procedures, where indicated, far exceed the visual outcomes compared to full thickness cornea graft surgery.

When is a modern cornea transplant needed?

A healthy and clear cornea is important for good vision. In the case where you have a damaged cornea due to eye disease, keratoconus, corneal clouding, corneal infection, corneal dystrophy or corneal injury. You may experience symptoms such as:

• Pains in the eye or eyes
• Blurred vision
• Cloudy vision

The ophthalmologist will diagnose what could be the cause of the problem and may recommend possible treatments which may resolve the symptoms. In a case where your cornea cannot be repaired with the use of other methods, Dr Davey may recommend a cornea transplant.

What does surgery involve?

Prior to the cornea transplant procedure, Dr Davey will examine your eye and do some lab tests to check whether you are in good general health. If you are on medication, you may have to stop taking certain medications such as aspirin weeks before the transplant procedure. You will have to use antibiotic drops in the eye or eyes the day before the transplant procedure to help prevent infection.

Corneal transplant surgery is performed under general or local anaesthetic. Dr Davey will use fine instruments to remove the affected cornea and will replace it with a clear donor cornea. The ophthalmologist will also use fine nylon stitches to suture the graft into place and in cases where an endothelial keratoplasty, an air bubble is then used to attach the graft into place.

Dr Nicholas Davey will place a pad or a plastic shield over the eye after the procedure and is left in place until the surgeon examines the eye the following day. He will prescribe eye drops for several months to reduce the chances of getting an infection. The sutures are removed as early as four weeks.