By: Sasheera Mehrani 

If an air bubble or gas is infused into the eye, it won’t be possible to fly until the air/gas bubble completely reabsorbs into the eye.

What is a corneal transplant (keratoplasty)?

A corneal transplant is done using healthy corneal tissue taken from a donor and substituting damaged corneal tissue with the graft. The cornea is the translucent elongated eye surface, which plays a significant role in seeing optimally.

Fortunately, the benefits of keratoplasty are vast, which includes the following:

• Restoration of the patient’s eyesight after a corneal-related injury
• Minimising pain in the area
• Enhances the overall appearance of the affected cornea

Why is it done?

A corneal transplant is typically performed to treat the following:

• Keratoconus, which is a condition that occurs when the cornea protrudes unnaturally
• Tears in the cornea
• Thinned out cornea
• Infection or injury-related corneal scarring
• Swollen cornea
• Corneal ulcers that fail to respond to medical treatment
• Postoperative complications from previous eye surgery

Can you take a cornea from a donor with an eye disease?

Harvested corneas come from cadavers. Those who have died from unknown causes are not considered eligible donors. Furthermore, people who have undergone eye surgery or have been diagnosed with eye disease are also considered unsuitable donors.

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Sources:

Mayo Clinic. Cornea Transplant. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cornea-transplant/about/pac-20385285