There are several types of corneal surgery, each of which is used to treat a specific condition or problem affecting the cornea.
Common corneal procedures include:
Also known as a corneal graft, this surgery involves removing a damaged or diseased cornea and replacing it with a healthy donor cornea. This type of surgery is typically used to treat conditions such as keratoconus, corneal scarring, or corneal dystrophies.
PTK is a laser surgery that removes thin layers of the cornea to treat conditions such as corneal dystrophies, corneal scars, or recurrent erosions. The laser is used to remove damaged or diseased tissue and encourage the growth of new, healthy tissue.
This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a combination of riboflavin drops and ultraviolet light to strengthen the cornea and slow or halt the progression of conditions such as keratoconus. The riboflavin drops are applied to the cornea, and the eye is exposed to ultraviolet light, which causes the riboflavin to crosslink the collagen fibres in the cornea, making it stronger.
This surgery involves removing only the outer layers of the cornea and replacing them with donor tissue. This type of surgery is typically used to treat conditions such as corneal scars or irregularities that affect only the outer layers of the cornea.
This procedure is used to replace the endothelial cells in the cornea, which are responsible for keeping the cornea clear and transparent. During the procedure, a thin layer of the patient’s cornea is removed and replaced with donor tissue containing healthy endothelial cells.
Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery, but most people can return to normal activities within a few weeks to a few months.
Your ophthalmologist will provide you with specific instructions for post-operative care and follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery.
In conclusion, corneal surgery is a specialised type of eye surgery that is used to treat a variety of conditions affecting the cornea.
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