There are many factors involved in being a candidate for a corneal transplant PKP. This is a serious and delicate microsurgical procedure, and should only be performed by an experienced surgeon trained in the cornea.
Be certain you are consulting with a surgeon fully knowledgeable about corneal transplants and specifically which type of procedure is right for your particular medical issue.
What Is PKP?
Let’s first understand what PKP means. PKP is a full thickness corneal transplant or penetrating keratoplasty. In this type of surgery a button-shaped full thickness section of the cornea is removed using a femtosecond laser or blade.
The removed tissue is replaced with the exact shape of donated tissue from an eye bank and secured with soft sutures. The healing process can take up to a year or more. It is performed as an outpatient procedure and the success rate is very high.
Reasons For A Corneal Transplant PKP
Specific diseases and injuries require the full thickness corneal transplant PKP as opposed to a partial thickness transplant. What makes someone a candidate for PKP?
When Vision Cannot Be Corrected With Glasses Or Contacts
A Traumatic Injury causing scarring
Corneal edema or ulcers
Bacterial, fungal, viral or protozoan infections
Sometimes a cornea is so irregularly shaped that vision cannot be corrected the normal way. When no other option is available, a corneal transplant may be recommended.
Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a progressive disease in which the cornea weakens and slowly becomes conical in shape. There are other options available for patients with keratoconus, so consider the corneal expertise of your surgeon before making a decision. The doctors at South Texas Eye Institute are fellowship trained corneal specialists. Keratoconus can be caused by a diseased cornea, for example.
Since the cornea is the window that allows light to fall on the retina, any scratch, hindrance or disease can adversely affect normal vision. Damage from scarring or inflammation from herpes can affect the light passing through the cornea.
Above all, if you or someone you know is told they may require a corneal transplant be sure the doctors are trained, have the proper equipment and are well versed in the newest techniques and technology.
The specialists at South Texas Eye Institute are familiar with all types of corneal issues, from the smallest scratch to a corneal transplant, and can provide patients with options to improve their vision.
Contact us today with your questions and concerns
or for a second opinion.
