From past to future: Corneal transplantation unveiled

Corneal transplantation has come a long way since its inception, offering hope to many struggling with vision impairment. In this article, we'll delve into the practical aspects of corneal transplantation, exploring its techniques, challenges, and what the future holds.

A brief history:

Corneal transplantation has been around for centuries, but it wasn't until the 20th century that significant progress was made. The first successful full-thickness corneal transplant was performed in 1905, marking a milestone in ophthalmology.

Understanding the cornea:

The cornea is a vital part of the eye responsible for focusing light and protecting inner structures. Diseases, infections, or injuries can cloud the cornea, impairing vision. Corneal transplantation involves replacing damaged tissue with healthy donor tissue to restore vision.

Transplantation techniques:

Corneal transplantation techniques vary based on the extent and nature of the corneal damage. These include:

1. Penetrating keratoplasty (PK): The entire central cornea is replaced with donor tissue.

2. Lamellar keratoplasty: Only the damaged layers of the cornea are replaced, leaving healthy tissue intact.

3. Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) and Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK): These procedures focus on replacing the endothelial layer of the cornea.

Challenges and innovations:

Challenges in corneal transplantation include donor tissue shortages, graft rejection, and the need for long-term medication to prevent rejection. Researchers are exploring tissue engineering to create artificial corneas and developing new surgical techniques and therapies to improve outcomes.

Future prospects:

The future of corneal transplantation looks promising, with advancements in personalised medicine, artificial intelligence in surgical planning, and global initiatives to improve access to transplantation services.