Corneal Transplant Information – Serving Minneapolis and Surrounding Areas
If you have suffered an injury to the cornea or been diagnosed with a corneal disease, corneal transplants may be an excellent treatment option. By replacing an unhealthy cornea with a healthy donor cornea, transplant surgery can improve impaired vision. At Northwest Eye, our team of ophthalmologists provides exceptional corneal transplant surgery for patients in Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, and surrounding Minnesota communities. Our surgeons' expertise and our state-of-the-art facilities attract patients from throughout the state and even locations overseas. If you would like more information on your candidacy for corneal transplants, contact Northwest Eye today.
What are Corneal Transplants?
Corneal transplant surgery can treat a number of corneal conditions, including keratoconus, thinning, swelling, and clouding of the cornea, infection- or injury-related corneal scarring, and corneal ulcers. The procedure involves removing the damaged cornea and replacing it with a healthy donor cornea. The amount of corneal tissue that needs to be replaced depends on each patient's unique needs.
The Corneal Transplant Procedure
Cornea transplant surgery is an outpatient procedure that is performed while the patient is under local anesthetic. Once the anesthetic has taken its full effect, the surgeon incises into the cornea. He then removes the abnormal corneal tissue. Next, he places the donor corneal tissue into the eye and stitches it into place. Finally, he sutures the cornea closed and places a protective shield over the eye. After transplant surgery, patients take medication to minimize discomfort and prevent the body's rejection of the transplant. The cornea typically heals completely in several weeks, and vision gradually improves in the months after surgery.
Corneal Transplant Results
The results of corneal transplant surgery depend on a range of factors, including the patient's age, overall eye health, and corneal problem. In general, the procedure is highly effective in improving refractive errors such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. When performed by a skilled eye surgeon like those at Northwest Eye, the procedure often allows patients to enjoy improved vision, often with the help of eyeglasses, contact lenses, or laser eye surgery.
Contact Northwest Eye
If you are considering corneal transplant surgery, you need the support and guidance of caring and experienced eye care professionals. Contact Northwest Eye today to schedule a consultation with our corneal transplant surgery experts. We serve Maple Grove, Wayzata, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, and surrounding communities.