By Abdulaziz Ali - Medically reviewed by Prof. Akif Ozdamar, on Sep 15, 2024

What is Artificial Corneal Transplant?

An Artificial Corneal Transplant is a surgery where a damaged or unhealthy cornea is replaced with an artificial one. This option is often chosen when a standard cornea transplant using donor tissue isn’t suitable or hasn’t been successful in the past. The main goal of this procedure is to help you see more clearly and improve your quality of life by letting light properly enter your eye.

Artificial Corneal Transplant Recovery Timeline

Recovering from an Artificial Corneal Transplant takes time, and it can be different for each person. Here’s a general idea of what to expect:

How long will the recovery take?

Most people recover in about 4 to 6 weeks, but some might need more time, depending on how they heal.

How long will they need to stay in Turkey?

It’s best to stay in Turkey for about 1 to 2 weeks after the surgery for follow-up care with your doctor.

When can the patient return to work?

You can usually go back to work after 2 to 3 weeks if your job isn’t too physically demanding or doesn’t expose you to environments that could risk infection.

When can the patient return to exercise?

Light exercises, like walking, are okay after 2 weeks. However, you should avoid more intense activities, such as lifting heavy weights or bending, for at least 4 to 6 weeks.

When will the final results be visible?

You’ll likely see the full results of the surgery within 3 to 6 months as your eye adjusts to the new implant.

What types of activities should be avoided?

You should avoid any heavy lifting, bending over, or direct pressure to your eyes. Also, stay away from swimming pools and hot tubs to reduce the risk of infection.

What type of diet should the patient expect after the surgery?

Eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins, especially those good for your eyes like Vitamins

A and C, is recommended. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and smoking during recovery to help your eyes heal better.

How Does Artificial Corneal Transplant Procedure Work

Here's what happens during an Artificial Corneal Transplant:

Consultation

During your consultation, the eye doctor will talk to you about your medical history, explain the reasons for the surgery, and check your eyes thoroughly. They’ll discuss the benefits and risks and answer any questions you might have.

Before the Surgery

Before the surgery, you’ll need to do some tests to make sure the procedure is right for you. You should stop taking any blood-thinning medications and avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least two weeks before the surgery. Make sure to arrange for someone to take you to and from the hospital.

The Surgery

The surgery is done under local or general anesthesia, depending on your situation. The surgeon will remove the damaged cornea and replace it with the artificial one. The surgery usually takes about 1 to 2 hours.

Follow-Up

Follow-up visits are important to make sure your eye is healing well. Your first follow-up will be within a week after the surgery, and there will be more visits over the next few months to monitor your recovery.

Side Effects of Artificial Corneal Transplant Procedure

Like any surgery, there are some risks with an Artificial Corneal Transplant. Here are some possible side effects:

Infection risk
Blurred vision or seeing halos around lights
Dry eyes or discomfort
Risk of the artificial implant being rejected
Inflammation or swelling in the eye
Sensitivity to bright lights

Artificial Corneal Transplant Surgery Results

The success rate for Artificial Corneal Transplants is around 85%. Most people notice a big improvement in their vision, making daily activities much easier. The results can last a long time if you follow your doctor’s advice and have regular check-ups. A study from the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery shows that over 80% of patients are happy with their vision after the procedure.

How to Prepare for Artificial Corneal Transplant Surgery

To get ready for your surgery and ensure a smooth recovery, here are some steps to follow:

Stop taking blood-thinning medications, like aspirin or ibuprofen, at least two weeks before the surgery.
Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least two weeks before the procedure.
Make sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the hospital on the day of your surgery.
Plan to take at least a week off work to rest and recover properly.
Be sure to follow any other instructions your doctor provides.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does an Artificial Corneal Transplant last?

The artificial cornea can last many years if you take good care of it and have regular check-ups.

What is the success rate of Artificial Corneal Transplant?

The success rate is about 85%, with most people seeing a big improvement in their vision.

Is the Artificial Corneal Transplant procedure painful?

You won’t feel any pain during the surgery because of anesthesia, but you might feel some discomfort as your eye heals.

Can I drive after an Artificial Corneal Transplant?

You should avoid driving for at least one to two weeks after surgery, or until your doctor says it’s safe.

What activities should I avoid after the surgery?

Avoid any strenuous activities, heavy lifting, bending over, and swimming until your doctor tells you it’s okay.

Will I need glasses after an Artificial Corneal Transplant?

Some people might still need glasses or contact lenses after the surgery to get the best vision.

How often do I need follow-up visits after the transplant?

You will usually have follow-up visits one week, one month, three months after the surgery, and more as recommended by your doctor.

What are the risks of an Artificial Corneal Transplant?

Risks include infection, rejection of the implant, dry eyes, and vision changes.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for an Artificial Corneal Transplant?

Your eye doctor will evaluate your eye health and medical history to see if this surgery is right for you.

Can both eyes be treated at the same time?

Usually, doctors treat one eye at a time to ensure good recovery and to check for any complications before doing the second eye.