Corneal Transplantation and Astigmatism

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
Can astigmatism be corrected with surgery if you have cornea transplants?    

Answer:
Corneal transplantation is performed for opacities of the cornea (the optical window at the front of the eye) and replaces the abnormal cornea with a new and clear cornea from a donor. Whether there is residual astigmatism will depend upon a combination of the surgical technique and biological healing which is not always predictable. The transplant therefore can correct pre-existing astigmatism which is ideal, but it may carry with it a new astigmatism after healing takes place. If significant, your corneal transplantation surgeon can offer techniques to minimize it.

Answered by: Richard Bensinger, MD  

Categories: Vision Correction 

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