Corneal transplants surgery are an extremely important surgery for most patients with damaged or diseased corneas, but, like most clinical and medical procedures, so are the myths and misconceptions surrounding them. It is with this particular interest that this article tries to address five common myths regarding keratoplasty, providing accurate information that will guide you through decisions regarding your eye health from the Best Eye hospital in Kolkata.

Understanding facts on such myths is an essential part of taking up this life-changing procedure or if someone close to you is making a consideration.

What is a Corneal Transplant?

Before we embark on the myths, let us try a brief explanation of what a corneal transplant is. The cornea is the semi-transparent, dome-shaped surface at the front of your eye. It focuses light and protects your eye from dust and bacteria. When the cornea becomes damaged or diseased, a Corneal grafting may be necessary to restore vision. In this procedure, the damaged cornea is replaced with healthy tissue from a donor.

Myth #1: Corneal Grafting: are Very Hazardous

• The Truth
  Though any surgery does carry some dangers, the risk factor of corneal transplants has been largely reduced. Medical science and surgical techniques have minimized the risks associated with this procedure to a great extent.
• .Fact: The success rate of modern keratoplasty is considerably over 90 percent.
• Reality Check: Even today, infection or rejection can happen, and that too can be tackled in time.

Care needs to be taken to strictly follow post-surgical guidelines for closely guided operations, as suggested by your eye care specialist. In the event of complications, the earlier they can be identified, then the sooner treatment can be started and one’s recovery will be the better.

Myth #2: The Body Always Rejects Corneas Donated By Other Individuals

• Reality
  Rejection of donor corneas is quite a nuisance but not as much of an issue as people feel. With the latest advancements in anti-rejection drugs and proper protocols on matching donors, rejection of the donor cornea by the body has reduced to a large extent.
• Fact: Less than 10% of patients have the experience of their cornea being rejected.
• Reality Check: Pain, redness or a change in vision are signs of rejection, which are usually medicated if detected early.

It is important to track closely to see how well the transplanted cornea is healing. Early indications of rejection will easily be detected by your doctor, hence there can be treatments to prevent further complications.

Myth #3: Only the Aged Need Corneal Transplants

• Reality
  As corneal diseases and damage can occur to anyone of any age, it is rather common for the elderly, of course. However, there are young patients who would require a corneal transplant due to trauma, infections, or for example, in keratoconus.
• Fact: Patients of all ages, including children and young adults, undergo a corneal transplant.
• Reality Check: Eye health is essential for all ages, and treatment in time will restore eye vision even after a long age.

Myth #4: You’ll Have to Wait Years for a Donor Cornea

• Reality
  While some regions certainly have waiting lists longer than others, corneal tissue tends to be viewed as one of the more available organ donations. In many areas of the world, cornea donation is well coordinated, reducing waiting times.
• Fact: Corneas are also readily available due to the proliferation of donation programs across most parts of the world.
• Reality Check: Even though a waiting list exists, advances in eye banking and the availability of donors suggest that a patient waits far less time for a cornea than for an organ to become available.

If you are concerned about the waiting time, raise this with your ophthalmologist who should be in a position to communicate to you the details of donor cornea availability in your locality.

Myth #5: Vision is Instantly Restored After Surgery

• Reality
  Improvement in vision after corneal transplantation also occurs gradually. One may expect this process of complete recovery to take a few months, and patience is truly a virtue during these times as one’s eyes are healing. The cornea needs its time to adapt and over this period, steady improvement in vision occurs as the healing process continues.
• Fact: Improvement in vision is gradual and can even take up to a year for full recovery.
• Reality Check: During the first hours or day following surgery, your vision will be blurry, but it will improve progressively in the months ahead.

Post-operative care, including adhering to your physician’s follow-up instructions, return visits, and caution in heavy eyes activities, is critical for a hassle-free recovery process.

Why visit the Best Eye Hospital in Kolkata for Corneal Transplants?

A trusted medical provider must be sought in searching for corneal transplant surgery. The Best Eye Hospital in Kolkata, being advanced in treatment and services with the most qualified ophthalmologists, can provide the latest techniques in keratoplasty procedures. Support system is given according to the needs and requirements of each patient to ensure the best outcomes.

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Here at the Best Eye Hospital in Kolkata, the experienced medical team with special skills in performing corneal transplants with a high success rate is committed to providing state-of-the-art care so that its patients may have access to the latest in medical technology and surgical expertise.

FAQs About Corneal Transplants

1. How long does a corneal transplant last?

   Although a corneal transplant can last for many decades in a healthy manner, there are instances where further surgery is necessary later in life.

2. Does the procedure of corneal transplant hurt?
   

   The surgical procedure itself does not cause any pain since anesthesia is administered. However, after surgery, you may feel some pain, and your doctor would guide you on the use of certain medications prescribed for alleviation of it.

3. Do I need glasses even after the corneal transplant?

   Most patients will need corrective glasses or contact lenses after a corneal transplant. The need for the use of these devices will depend on how successful your transplant is and heals.

4. When will I return to work after undergoing a corneal transplant?
   

   Recovery will take some time; for at least a couple of weeks following surgery, you will be required to avoid vigorous activities. Your surgeon will advise you of the specific periods once you can return to normal life activities.

5. Are there alternatives to a corneal transplant?
   

   For example, more simplified treatment for some patients would be much-needed corneal cross-linking. However, for more serious cases, a transplant may be the last resort. Be sure to sit down and discuss with your eye doctor what works best for your condition.

Conclusion

For people whose loss of vision is due to the damaged or diseased cornea, a corneal transplant may be the word that describes a life-changing experience. Although there are myths and misconceptions that make it sound daunting, knowledge of facts will indeed calm down patients’ concerns and thus lead them to make the right decisions.

By removing all these myths, we have proved that the corneal transplant is safe and effective and accessible. So, if you are planning to undergo this treatment, then consult a trusted doctor, the Best Eye care in Kolkata. Here one can get every modern treatment facility and personalized care for each and every patient.