szaruhártyaátültetést

Szaruhártyaátültetés, also known as keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace a diseased or damaged cornea with healthy donor corneal tissue. The cornea is the transparent outer layer at the front of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. Its main function is to refract light, contributing to the eye's ability to focus.

The procedure is typically performed when vision is significantly impaired due to conditions such as corneal scarring from infection or injury, keratoconus, Fuchs' dystrophy, or certain inherited corneal diseases. The goal of a corneal transplant is to restore sight, improve the shape of the cornea, and relieve pain.

There are several types of corneal transplantation, including penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), where the entire thickness of the cornea is replaced, and lamellar keratoplasty, which replaces only a portion of the corneal layers. Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) are common forms of lamellar transplantation.

The donor cornea is obtained from a deceased individual who has registered as an organ donor. Corneas are generally viable for transplantation for several days after collection when preserved properly. The surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia. After the diseased cornea is removed, the donor tissue is carefully sutured into place.

Post-operative care is crucial and involves the use of eye drops to prevent infection and rejection. Rejection of the donor cornea is a potential complication, but immunosuppressive eye drops can help minimize this risk. Success rates for corneal transplantation are generally high, with many patients experiencing significant improvement in their vision. However, outcomes can vary depending on the underlying condition, the type of transplant, and individual patient factors.