A corneal transplant is a procedure used to reduce pain and restore vision for those with corneal damage or disease. If your McAllen ophthalmologist recommended a corneal transplant for your eye health, you’re probably wondering what you can expect during and after the procedure.
Keep reading to learn what you need to know about the procedure and how long it takes to recover from corneal transplant surgery from the only corneal transplant surgeon in the Rio Grande Valley.
The Corneal Transplant Procedure: What To Expect
There are several different types of corneal transplant surgery, but each will involve removing part or all of the corneal tissue and replacing it with tissue from a donor. This donor cornea is carefully screened; donor tissue is usually available without much of a wait. If a donor cornea isn’t suitable for your needs, you may receive an artificial cornea. Your McAllen ophthalmologist will decide how much of your cornea needs to be removed and what to replace it with.
Corneal Transplant Recovery
Following your corneal transplant surgery, you’ll be given medications and eye protection to shield your eyes and foster healing. You’ll also be given specific advice about what activities you should avoid, and what behaviors could help speed up your recovery. You’ll need to continue seeing your eye doctor for follow-ups to monitor your recovery.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Corneal Transplant Surgery
Your vision may get worse after surgery before it gets better. It can take between a few weeks to several months for your eye to completely heal, depending on the type and extent of your surgery.
You may not see improvements until your vision is completely healed at the end of several months.
What Improvements Can I Expect From Corneal Transplant Surgery
Corneal transplants can offer a range of vision improvements depending on the existing damage and type of surgery. You can talk to your corneal transplant surgeon to learn more about what results you can expect.
Some common improvements include:
- Correcting astigmatism
- Correcting nearsightedness
- Correcting farsightedness
Get Care From the Only Corneal Transplant Surgeon in the Rio Grande Valley
If you’re struggling with vision issues, a corneal transplant may be the solution you need to start seeing more clearly again. While your vision may never be fully restored, modern vision care can offer significant improvements for many patients.
Don’t continue to suffer from poor vision without help. Come see the best eye doctors for corneal health in the Rio Grande Valley at Gelman Vision. We can help you find the right vision solution for your unique needs.
