szaruhártyaátültetésre

Szaruhártyaátültetés or corneal transplantation is a surgical procedure to replace a diseased or damaged cornea with healthy donor tissue. The cornea is the transparent outer layer of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. It plays a crucial role in focusing light and thus is essential for clear vision. When the cornea becomes cloudy, scarred, or misshapen due to disease, injury, or congenital conditions, vision can be severely impaired.

The procedure involves removing the damaged cornea and replacing it with a donor cornea, which is carefully matched for compatibility. There are different types of corneal transplantation, including penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), which replaces the entire thickness of the cornea, and lamellar keratoplasty (LKP), which replaces only specific layers. LKP procedures, such as deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), are often associated with faster visual recovery and lower rejection rates.

Patients typically receive a local anesthetic for the surgery, which is usually performed on an outpatient basis. Post-operative care is vital and includes the use of eye drops to prevent infection and rejection. The success rate for corneal transplantation is generally high, with many patients experiencing significant improvement in their vision. However, potential complications can include infection, inflammation, rejection of the donor tissue, or changes in vision. Regular follow-up appointments with an ophthalmologist are necessary to monitor the healing process and ensure the long-term success of the transplant.