The cornea is the clear structure in front of the eye that covers the iris and the pupil. When the cornea is swollen or scarred, it can result in blurred vision and/or discomfort. Corneal scarring may result from infection or injury. Corneal swelling or cloudiness may be hereditary. There may even be an abnormal shape to the cornea, resulting in poor vision. Anything that damages the cornea can impair your vision. However, by replacing the abnormal cornea with a healthy one, your vision can be dramatically improved.
Every year, over 40,000 corneal transplants are performed in the U.S. They're by far the most common and successful of all types of transplants. With the new suturing technique, only one continuous stitch is used to attach the donor cornea. As a result, there's less stretching of the new cornea. That means less distortion, less astigmatism, and a faster recovery of vision after surgery.
In corneal transplant surgery, the damaged cornea is surgically removed, and a clear donor cornea is sutured into place.
The Krieger Eye Institute at Sinai Hospital uses an advanced suturing technique that reduces the surgery time, healing time, and offers faster improvement in vision.