Keratoconus – Corneal transplants
A corneal transplant is a process that involves a long waiting period.
Poor vision during the waiting period, setbacks due to the body’s natural rejection and complications during the operation must be taken into account when making a decision.
Curing keratoconus with a transplant?
What many people do not realize at first is that the entire cornea is not replaced.
A central area of the cornea is removed and the transplant inserted.
The peripheral area of the cornea – which is also affected by keratoconus – is not removed.
Over the years, keratoconus can spread from the peripheral area to the transplant and cause symptoms again – this happens within 10 years in 10-15% of corneal transplants for keratoconus.
Treatment through crosslinking
If keratoconus recurs in the transplant, timely treatment using crosslinking (CXL) has proven to be promising.
This can stop the disease, preserve vision and protect the valuable transplant.