The cornea is comprised of several layers. The outer layers of the cornea are typically affected by conditions such as Keratoconus or by trauma or infection. The innermost layer of the cornea is called the Endothelium. This is specifically affected by a genetic condition called Fuchs\u2019 Dystrophy where acceleration of the natural process of loss of endothelial cells results in swelling of the cornea.<\/p>\n
Traditionally, most corneal transplantation surgery has involved replacing a full thickness disc of the cornea for disc of cornea from a donor. This procedure is called Penetrating Keratoplasty or PK.<\/p>\n
Today, it is considered preferable to replace only those layers (or lamellae) affected by the specific condition and to leave those layers unaffected in place, thus reducing the amount of tissue transplanted. This approach is called lamellar corneal surgery and leads to quicker recovery of vision, it is also thought that in the long term this will result in fewer transplants being rejected by the recipient and this data is increasingly supported by research and audit in this field.<\/p>\n
Rakesh has been performing lamellar corneal surgery for approaching 10 years and has active research interests in corneal transplantation surgery including Ultra-Thin DSAEK in which he has contributed to the development of current surgical techniques including performing corneal transplantation without any sutures under topical anaestheia alone.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":3029,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n