A clear, dome-shaped protective covering forming the front surface of your eyes, the cornea itself has six layers, each contributing its role to protect your eyes while allowing light to pass through.
Because it’s an important protector of eye health, the cornea is vulnerable to damage and degradation. Fortunately, a corneal transplant can restore your eye’s primary protective agent.
Ophthalmologist Randa Garrana, MD, performs corneal transplants from three Advanced Lasik offices — one East Coast location in Midtown East, New York City, and two West Coast locations in Pasadena and Long Beach, California. We’re your first call when cornea problems arise.
You may need a corneal transplant for a range of reasons, including vision problems caused by corneal disease, damage to the corneal layer, or eye emergencies like trauma or infection. Let’s take a look at five of the most common reasons for corneal transplant surgery.
An eye condition that tends to affect people with more than one allergic condition, keratoconus results in a weakening of the cornea that causes it to become thinner and change shape. Not every case of keratoconus requires surgery.
For younger patients, it’s the most common reason for corneal transplant. Mild keratoconus can also progress over time, requiring surgery later in life.
Cell deterioration in the endothelium of the cornea can cause blurry morning vision, sensitivity to light, poor night vision, and other symptoms. Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy is present at birth but generally doesn’t cause problems until later in life.
Like keratoconus, it doesn’t always advance to the point of treatment, but when it does, a corneal transplant is usually required.
Keratitis is an ulcer on the cornea causing inflammation and symptoms like:
Keratitis usually results from infection, corneal damage, or poor contact lens maintenance.
Laser cataract surgery can raise the risks of corneal damage that may progress to the point where transplant becomes necessary, usually due to changes and failure of the cornea layer.
Scarring of the cornea can occur for a wide range of reasons, including physical damage to the layer, infections, and diseases. These can cause discomfort or pain, light sensitivity, excess tear production, and vision loss.
No matter what the reason for your corneal deterioration, Dr. Garrana can diagnose and treat your condition with the utmost experience and skill. Schedule a visit at your nearest Advanced Lasik office in Midtown East, New York City, or in Pasadena or Long Beach, California, today.
