Cornea Surgery

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Cornea Transplant

A Cornea transplant is a surgical procedure that replaces part of the cornea with corneal tissue from a donor. It is often used to restore vision to those with a cornea condition or a damaged cornea. A cornea transplant can also relieve pain and symptoms or signs associated with cornea diseases.

Macro eye photo. Keratoconus - eye disease, thinning of the cornea in the form of a cone. The cornea plastic.

How long does it take to recover from a corneal transplant?

The recovery process for a corneal transplant can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to a year. Following your cornea transplant, you can expect to treat your eyes very carefully. Following your procedure, it’s important not to rub your eyes, avoid intense exercise or heavy lifting, avoid manual labor work for 3-4 months and avoid contact sports and swimming until your doctor advises you to. You can also expect to use steroid or antibiotic eye drops daily for several months to a year.

How serious is a cornea transplant?

A cornea transplant is a relatively safe procedure, however, like any surgical procedure, there is a risk of complications. There is a possibility for your body’s immune system to reject the donor’s cornea. This rejection will require immediate medical attention to either get another cornea transplant or to prescribe medication. In most cases, complications of a cornea transplant can include an eye infection, a rise of pressure within the eyeball which can lead to glaucoma, or retinal problems like retinal detachment or swelling.

Who is a candidate for a cornea transplant?

If you have been diagnosed with a condition affecting the cornea, you may be a candidate for a cornea transplant. It also may be time for a cornea transplant if treatments such as special glasses, contact lenses and medications are not slowing the progression of your cornea disease.

Learn more about the cornea conditions and find out if you’re a candidate for this procedure by contacting our office today!

Corneal Collagen Crosslinking (CXL)

Portrait of a mature man fitting cornea replacement

Corneal Collagen Crosslinking, or CXL, is a treatment method for keratoconus. CXL uses eyedrop medication and ultraviolet (UV) lights to strengthen the tissues in your cornea and stop them from bulging out. It is the only treatment available to halt progressive keratoconus from getting worse and can help to prevent a corneal transplant.

How long does corneal collagen crosslinking last?

The effects of your corneal crosslinking will last for many years. While we don’t know precisely how long corneal collagen crosslinking will last, the results may be permanent in some cases. This also depends on how old the patient is when they undergo corneal collagen crosslinking. If necessary, corneal collagen crosslinking can be repeated if the treatment is not effective.

Does corneal collagen crosslinking improve your vision?

Yes, corneal collagen crosslinking can improve your vision by improving the shape of the cornea. Patients who may experience the most improvement in vision are usually older in their 50s or 60s and have keratoconus. You may experience blurry vision and sensitivity to light at first, but your vision will return and possibly improve over time.

Who is a candidate for corneal collagen crosslinking?

An ideal candidate for CXL will have keratoconus progress for the past 12 -14 months. Additionally, your age and the thickness of your cornea will also be taken into account when considering your candidacy for CXL.

Are you interested in corneal collagen crosslinking? Learn more about this procedure and if you’re a good candidate by contacting us today!

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Homewood

2640 West 183rd St
Homewood, IL 60430

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9731 West 165th St, Ste 31
Orland Park, IL 60467

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2850 West 95th St, Ste 401
Evergreen Park, IL 60805

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11600 South Kedzie Ave
Ste C and H
Merrionette Park, IL 60803

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1525 E. 53rd Street
Suite 1002
Chicago, IL 60615

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EyeSouth Partners Surgery Center

6311 West 95th Street
Oak Lawn, IL 60453

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