Artificial cornea transplantation can be performed in patients who have lost their corneal stem cells due to chemical burns or any other causes and in those who cannot receive human tissue due to the chance of rejection and recurrence of opacity, provided that the posterior layer of cornea is healthy.
Types of artificial cornea
Layered artificial cornea: Artificial cornea replaces the damaged layers.
Full-thickness artificial cornea: In patients whose corneal stem cells are destroyed on both sides and the patient’s entire cornea is opaque; the artificial cornea is implanted and sutured to the patient’s corneal tissue.
Stem cell transplantation: In patients whose corneal stem cells are damaged in one eye for any reason, the defective stem cells are replaced by stem cells from the other eye. Patients whose stem cells are damaged on both sides but the other cornea layers are healthy, stem cells of first-degree relatives such as father, mother, sister, or brother are used.
Preoperative Instructions
- Take a bath the night before surgery.
- Avoid using perfumes and cosmetics around the eyes.
- Avoid using soft lenses for at least 3 days and hard lenses for 3 weeks before surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you have any allergies.
Intraoperative Instructions
Note that these surgeries are painless and your cooperation plays a very important role in achieving the right result. So stay calm and follow your doctor’s instructions during surgery.
- Look at the flashing green light and avoid moving your eyes and head during the operation.
- Depending on the type of laser used, the surgery duration is about 20 seconds. Therefore, do not move your eyes during the time you hear the laser beam.
- Don’t worry about blinking during the procedure because your eyelids are kept open by a device. Avoid squeezing and frowning during the operation.
- Do not bring your hands close to the operating area as it can result in contaminate.
Postoperative Instructions
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Wear sunglasses when exposed to sunlight.
- Don’t wash your eyes in the first few days.
- Avoid swimming for up to a month.
- Use painkillers in case of minor pain.
- If necessary, drive a few days after the operation with complete caution.
- Avoid putting pressure on your eyes in the first few weeks.
