One of the biggest risks associated with corneal transplant is corneal rejection. Approximately 20 percent of the people who undergo a corneal transplant suffer from this problem. After the cornea transplant there is a possibility that the patient’s eye could reject the donor’s cornea.
Risks Associated With Corneal Transplant: According to mayo.com, the biggest risk associated with corneal transplant is allograft or corneal rejection.
- Corneal transplants are essential when the patient’s cornea is either scarred or diseased. It is essential in this case because the patient starts experiencing low vision.
- During the process of transplantation, the damaged corneal tissue is replaced with a healthy one using the process of corneal grafting.
- As a part of the surgery the central part of the cornea is completely removed before it is sewn with the healthy one.
- Figures suggest that a donor’s corneal tissue may be rejected by the body’s immune system. Usually this can happen within 2-3 months in some people. While, it might take up to 5 years in another few.
- The occurrence of rejection can be varying and can range between a few months and years after the completion of the surgery.
Symptoms of Rejection: The risk of rejection can be more when the transplant is associated with both the eyes. The ones who are less prone to rejection are older people.
The following signs of rejection can be observed which can be used as warning to exercise caution.
- Frequent eye redness.
- Pain in the eye.
- Irritation in the eyes.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Loss of vision.
Apart, from the above signs there are also a few other rarely occurring ones like glaucoma, bleeding and infection.
Upon noticing these signs it is quintessential that proper consultation and medication are observed in order to save the corneal transplant.
Dealing With Rejections: Usually, after the surgery the eye would take about 6-12 months for healing,especially the stitches. During this phase, the patient should be mindful of rejection signs.
- Upon observing any signs related to rejection, a supervised medication of corticosteroid drops can help the cornea to remain stable and also revert the rejection.
- It is necessary to exercise caution, if not there is every chance of damaging the new cornea, meaning the requirement of another transplant.
About, 40,00 patients undergo corneal transplants every year in the U.S. So it is very important for all of them to be aware of the risks associated with corneal transplant.
