The Bahubali famed actor Rana Daggubati recently revealed that he had to go through a corneal transplant when he was young because he was experiencing blindness in the right eye. Talking about the struggles he faced, he mentioned in an interview that even after the transplant, he suffered from psychological burdens despite getting a solution for the blindness.
All the strength to Daggubati for being so open about his health struggles as it has the potential to make others feel less lonely and hopeful. While it is great news that Daggubati is over his health dilemmas related to his eye, there may be millions out there facing eye disorders. Various diseases and conditions can compromise the integrity of the cornea, leading to vision impairment or loss. In severe cases where other treatments have failed, a corneal transplant may be necessary to restore vision.
Common Conditions Requiring Corneal Transplantation
Here are some of the diseases and conditions that may require a corneal transplant and shed light on the importance of this sight-saving procedure:
Keratoconus
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder where the cornea thins and bulges outward, leading to distorted vision. In advanced stages, vision correction with glasses or contact lenses may no longer be effective, and a corneal transplant may be necessary to improve vision.
Fuchs' Endothelial Dystrophy
Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy is a condition where the endothelial cells lining the back surface of the cornea gradually deteriorate, according to researchers from Harvard Medical School. As a result, fluid builds up in the cornea, leading to swelling and vision problems. In severe cases, a corneal transplant may be needed to replace the damaged endothelial cells.
Corneal Scarring
Corneal scarring can occur due to infections, injuries, or other trauma to the eye. Severe scarring can impair vision by blocking or distorting light entering the eye. In such cases, a corneal transplant may be necessary to remove the scarred tissue and replace it with healthy donor tissue.
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Corneal Degenerations
Definitions provided by the Dictionary of Optometry and Vision Science explain how various degenerative conditions, such as corneal dystrophies and corneal ectasia, can affect the clarity and structure of the cornea, leading to vision loss. When these conditions progress to a point where vision is significantly impaired, a corneal transplant may be recommended to restore vision.
Corneal Infections
Severe corneal infections, particularly those caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses, can lead to scarring and permanent damage to the cornea. In cases where the infection cannot be controlled with medication or other treatments, a corneal transplant may be necessary to remove the infected tissue and restore vision.
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Corneal transplantation is a sight-saving procedure that can restore vision and improve the quality of life for individuals with various corneal diseases and conditions. By replacing damaged or diseased corneal tissue with healthy donor tissue, corneal transplants offer hope to those facing vision impairment or loss due to corneal disorders. However, like any surgical procedure, corneal transplantation carries risks and requires careful evaluation by an ophthalmologist to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each individual. With advancements in surgical techniques and tissue preservation, corneal transplantation continues to be a valuable tool in the field of ophthalmology for preserving and restoring vision.