CORNEAL TRANSPLANT
Q1. What is a corneal transplant?
A : A corneal transplant, or keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy donor tissue.
Q2. What are the signs that I might need a corneal transplant?
A : Symptoms include severe corneal scarring, thinning, cloudiness, or a significant decrease in vision that cannot be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
Q3. How long is the recovery time after a corneal transplant?
A : Recovery can vary, but most patients see improvement in vision within a few weeks to several months. Complete healing may take up to a year.
Q4. What are the risks associated with corneal surgery?
A :Risks include infection…………………………….
Corneal Surgery
Q: What is a corneal transplant, and when is it needed?
A: A corneal transplant involves replacing a damaged or diseased cornea with healthy donor tissue. It is needed for conditions like keratoconus, corneal scarring, or severe infections that impair vision.
Q: How long is the recovery period for corneal transplant surgery?
A: Recovery can vary, but most patients see significant improvement within a few weeks, with complete healing taking up to a year. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial.
Q: Are there any risks associated with corneal surgery?
A: Risks include infection, rejection of the donor cornea, and complications from anesthesia. However, these risks are relatively low, and success rates are high.
Cataract Surgery
Q: What is cataract surgery, and how is it performed?
A: Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It is typically performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia.
Q: How soon can I resume normal activities after cataract surgery?
A: Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days, but it’s essential to avoid strenuous activities and follow your surgeon’s postoperative care instructions.
Q: What are the potential complications of cataract surgery?
A: Complications are rare but can include infection, inflammation, and posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Most are treatable and do not significantly impact the overall success of the surgery.
Refractive Surgery
Q: What types of refractive surgery are available?
A: Common types include LASIK, PRK, and SMILE. Each procedure reshapes the cornea to correct vision problems like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism.
Q: Am I a candidate for refractive surgery?
A: Candidates should be over 18, have stable vision for at least a year, and have no significant eye health issues. A thorough examination by a refractive surgeon is necessary to determine eligibility.
Q: What is the recovery process like for LASIK surgery?
A: Most patients experience improved vision within 24 hours. Full recovery takes a few weeks, during which time patients should avoid rubbing their eyes and follow their surgeon’s care instructions.
Q: Are the results of refractive surgery permanent?
A: For most patients, the results are long-lasting. However, vision can change over time due to aging or other factors, and some patients may need a touch-up procedure.
General Questions
Q: How do I prepare for my eye surgery?
A: Your surgeon will provide specific instructions, which may include stopping certain medications, avoiding makeup or lotions on the day of surgery, and arranging for transportation home.
Q: Will I need to wear glasses or contact lenses after surgery?
A: This depends on the type of surgery and individual circumstances. Some patients achieve complete freedom from corrective lenses, while others may still need glasses for certain activities.
Q: How often should I have follow-up appointments after surgery?
A: Follow-up schedules vary by procedure and patient, but typically include a visit the day after surgery, a week later, and several more times over the first year to monitor healing and progress.