Patients who are dealing with corneal injuries or diseases will often be advised to consider the benefits of corneal transplant surgery. This is an eye surgery that is completed to help in restoring vision using a healthy donor cornea. Many patients who visit the team at Cape Fear Cataract and Cornea may feel uneasy about undergoing an invasive procedure to address their eyesight, but Dr. Brian Groat is available to help educate patients on the process so they feel comfortable with the procedure from start to finish!
Who is a candidate for corneal transplant surgery?
The best candidates are those who are impacted with:
- Deep corneal scarring
- Chronic fluid buildup within the cornea
- Distorted, foggy, or blurred vision
- Fuchs’ dystrophy
- Bullous keratopathy
During a full examination at Cape Fear Cataract and Cornea, Dr. Brian Groat will determine if a patient is a proper candidate for corneal transplant. In many instances, surgical intervention is needed because there is no other option available for treatment that is more conservative or as effective.
What can I expect from the surgical procedure?
Patients are given proper anesthetics and sedation to feel at ease and comfortable during the procedure. During the surgery, the doctor makes a small incision along the edge of the cornea, removing the damaged portion of the endothelium and stroma. These are replaced with a healthy donor graft, using an air or gas bubble to hold it in place. The doctor completes the surgery by stitching it closed. In some cases, patients may have a less invasive procedure that does not involve removal of the stroma.
How long does it take to heal after corneal transplant surgery?
Dr. Brian Groat offers post-operative instructions for patients who have undergone corneal transplant surgery. Patients can expect full recovery to occur over the course of approximately six months. Our team will evaluate patients regularly to ensure they are healing as expected and desired results are achieved.
Are you interested in corneal transplant surgery?
If you reside in the area of Wilmington, NC and are ready to learn more about corneal transplants, we encourage you to call (910) 769-4590 to request a consultation visit with Dr. Brian Groat and his team at Cape Fear Cataract and Cornea. The office is located at 1915 South 17th Street, Ste. #101 and accepts new patients.
