CORNEAL TRANSPLANTATION
nowadays, corneal transplantations are performed for whichever layer of the cornea is affected by the disease in the corneal tissue. Transplantation techniques vary according to the state of the endothelial cell, which is located in the innermost layer of the corneal tissue and keeps the cornea transparent. Corneal transplantations in which the anterior layer of the cornea is replaced, are called anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and corneal transplantations in which the endothelium is replaced (DSAEK, DMEK). In developed countries such as America, more than 50% of corneal transplantations are performed with these new methods.
In Westeye Health Group, advanced corneal transplantations such as DALK, DSAEK, or DMEK are routinely performed according to the patient's corneal disease. In this way, patients from our country and different countries of the world re-gain their vision due to the new corneal transplantation techniques. Classical full-thickness corneal transplantations are now applied in very few of the patients only in cases of necessity.
In keratoconus and corneal stains where the endothelium is intact, in anterior lamellar keratoplasty called DALK, the anterior 85-90% thick part of the cornea is replaced. In this type of corneal transplantation, the probability of rejection of the donor tissue is much reduced or almost eliminated. The chance of survival of the tissue becomes equal to the patient's healthy eye.
Seamless endothelial cell transplantation is performed through a small incision called DSAEK or DMEK in eyes with corneal edema or in eyes with insufficient endothelium in which previous corneal transplantation was rejected. In this type of corneal transplantation, patients can return to their normal lives in a few weeks. Unlike conventional transplants, patients do not wait for a year for healing and stitch removal. the eye vision and astigmatism do not occur after corneal transplantation.
CORNEA DISEASES
CORNEA DISEASES REQUIRE EARLY INTERVENTION!
CORNEA DISEASES REQUIRE EARLY INTERVENTION!
The cornea is a transparent layer in the front part of the eye which focuses the light and protects the eye from external agents and thus plays an important role in the visual process. A number of diseases have a negative impact on the cornea's transparency. They may be congenital and have genetic roots or be viral. Some diseases such as keratoconus are very effective because they change the shape of the cornea and require a cornea transplant. Ignoring a cornea disease may lead to permanent loss of vision. Therefore, early diagnosis and the correct treatment are important.
FREQUENTLY SEEN CORNEA DISEASES
Cornea inflammation Keratoconus
Keratitis: Cornea inflammation.
Keratoconus: An advancing disease characterized by thinning and liquefaction of the cornea.
Dry eye syndrome / keratoconjunctiv sicca: The condition of having dry eyes.
Cornea erosion: Damage due to cutting, grazing, or scratching of the cornea surface.
CORNEA EXAMINATION METHODS
A Real Success
• Biomicroscope: Close-up examination of the cornea and its surface structures with a binocular microscope.
• Keratometry: Measurement of the refractive index of the cornea.
• Topography: Is used for the topographic analysis of the cornea surface.
• Pachymetry: Measurement of the cornea thickness.
• Specular microscopy: Examination and count of endothelial cells.
• Aesthesiometer: Measurement of the tactile sensitivity of the cornea.
• Cornea dying for diagnostic purposes: Using dyes such as fluorescein and rose Bengal to make cornea defects visible.
TREATMENT METHODS:
CORNEA ABRASION TREATMENT
Depends on the degree of abrasion. the surgeon may decide to cover the injured eye, apply antibiotics, enlarge the pupil to reduce the pain or prescribe a special contact lens. The treatment is identical to the cornea abrasion treatment. in addition, eye drops containing a dilute salt solution or ointment may be applied.
