Corneal surgery is a critical aspect of ophthalmology and is all about improving vision and fixing the cornea. The cornea is the clear front layer of the eye and is responsible for focusing light onto the retina. Various conditions can fog up the cornea creating problems with vision. Corneal surgery fixes these issues with several advanced techniques.
Types of Corneal Surgery
Penetrating Keratoplasty (PKP)
PKP is a traditional form of corneal transplant where the whole cornea is replaced with a donor cornea. It’s used for conditions like corneal scarring or keratoconus. PKP involves removing the central part of the damaged cornea and replacing it with a healthy donor cornea.
Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK)
DALK is a partial-thickness corneal transplant where only the front layers of the cornea are replaced. It’s used for conditions like keratoconus or corneal dystrophies. By preserving the patient’s own endothelium (the innermost layer of the cornea), DALK reduces the risk of rejection and may have quicker visual recovery than PK.
Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK) and Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK)
These are modern partial-thickness corneal transplants that address diseases affecting the corneal endothelium like Fuchs’ dystrophy. DSEK involves removing the damaged endothelial layer and replacing it with a donor graft, while DMEK is a more advanced technique that involves transplanting an even thinner layer of the cornea which can lead to faster recovery times and better visual outcomes.
Laser-Assisted Sub-Epithelial Keratectomy (LASEK) and Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)
These are laser procedures to correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism and involves reshaping the corneal surface with a laser.
Who Needs Corneal Surgery?
Corneal surgery is for:
- Keratoconus: A condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape and causes distorted vision.
- Corneal Dystrophies: A group of genetic disorders that fog up the cornea and vision.
- Corneal Scarring: Caused by injury, infection or inflammation and causes vision problems.
- Endothelial Disorders: Conditions affecting the innermost layer of the cornea like Fuchs’ dystrophy which causes swelling and vision loss.
The Surgical Procedure and Recovery
Corneal surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis so you can go home the same day. The procedure is done under general anesthesia to numb the eye. Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery. For example, PKP may require a longer recovery and more postop care than DALK or laser surgery.
Postop care includes eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation and follow up visits to monitor healing. You should avoid strenuous activities and protect your eyes from trauma during the recovery period.
Where to Have Corneal Surgery?
When it comes to corneal surgery, you need a facility with the latest technology and experienced hands. As Sri Lanka’s first comprehensive eye hospital, Vasan Eye Care offers full range of services including advanced corneal surgeries. We have state of the art modular operating theaters and top of the line equipment like Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Visual Field Analyzers to take care of your corneal needs.
