Conventional cornea transplant: penetrating or lamelar

What is conventional corneal transplantation?

Conventional corneal transplantation can be of the penetrating type, which consists of the total replacement of the cornea, or lamellar, in which specifically diseased layers are replaced.

Corneal transplantation can be posterior, when it affects the corneal endothelium (innermost layer) or anterior, when it affects the stroma. In cases in which the corneal epithelium (outermost layer) is affected, the treatment is corneal stem cell transplantation.

In which cases is it done?

In which cases is it done? Conventional corneal transplantation is performed in patients whose cornea is totally or partially damaged, due to pathologies such as keratoconus or accidents, which have caused a loss of transparency or corneal regularity.

Previous exams

A complete ophthalmological examination is necessary prior to surgery.

The intervention

Using local anaesthesia and sedation, the entire cornea or previously selected layers are replaced. It is important that after the intervention, the patient avoids efforts for 2-3 weeks.

Risks

Like all surgery, it has risks of complications after it (infections, rejection, granuloma…).