What Happens in Silk Eye Surgery?

Understanding the Process of Silk Eye Surgery

Silk eye surgery, also known as keratoprosthesis, is a procedure where a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced by an artificial cornea made from silk protein. The procedure involves several steps:

Before embarking on the silk eye surgery process, several crucial steps are taken to ensure the preparedness of both the patient and the medical team:

Patient Consultation:
This is the initial phase where the patient’s medical history is thoroughly reviewed. A comprehensive understanding of the patient’s past and present health conditions, including any previous eye surgeries or diseases, is essential to determine the appropriateness of silk eye surgery.

Eye Examination:
The patient’s eyes are thoroughly examined. This examination includes visual acuity tests to measure how well the patient sees at various distances. Intraocular pressure is also measured to rule out glaucoma.

Corneal Assessment:
Beyond the general eye examination, a more detailed study of the cornea is conducted. This includes tests like pachymetry for corneal thickness and specular microscopy for corneal endothelium health.

Diagnosis:
Based on the results of the eye examination and corneal assessment, a final diagnosis is made. If the patient is found to have a condition that can be treated or improved with silk eye surgery, the process moves forward.

Counseling:
The patient is counseled about the surgery. This includes explaining the procedure, potential risks, benefits, and post-operative care. Informed consent is obtained after ensuring the patient fully understands the implications of the surgery.

Planning:
The surgical team formulates a detailed surgical plan. This includes determining the type of anesthesia to be used, the specifics of the artificial cornea to be implanted, and scheduling the procedure.

Preparation:
The patient is instructed on how to prepare for the surgery. This typically includes fasting instructions and stopping certain medications.

Pre-Operative Testing:
The patient undergoes pre-operative testing, which may include blood tests and ECG, to ensure overall fitness for the surgery.

The entire pre-operative process is of utmost importance, setting the stage for a successful silk eye surgery. It ensures that the patient is a suitable candidate for the procedure, and adequately prepares both the patient and the surgical team for the future operation.

What happens in silk eye surgery?

After the pre-operative process, the following steps occur during the silk eye surgery procedure:

Anesthesia:
The patient is placed under local or general anesthesia as determined during the planning stage. This ensures the patient is comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.

Removal of the Diseased Cornea:
The surgeon carefully removes the damaged or diseased cornea using precise surgical instruments. The utmost care is taken to keep the surrounding tissues intact.

Implantation of the Artificial Cornea:
The artificial cornea, made from silk protein, is placed in the position of the removed cornea. The artificial cornea is tailored to the patient’s specific needs, taking into consideration the size and shape of the eye.

Securing the Artificial Cornea:
The surgeon sutures the artificial cornea in place. This is a meticulous process, as the artificial cornea needs to be precisely positioned for optimal visual results.

Final Examination:
After the artificial cornea is secured, a final examination is conducted to ensure proper placement and alignment. Adjustments are made if necessary.

Post-Operative Measures:
Once the surgery is complete, a shield is placed over the eye to protect it from dust or accidental touches. The patient is taken to the recovery room and monitored until the effects of the anesthesia wear off.

Post-Operative Check-up:
The patient is scheduled for a post-operative check-up, where the doctor assesses the healing process and the success of the surgery. Instructions for post-operative care, including medication and physical restrictions, are given during this visit.

Follow-Up Appointments:
Regular follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the patient’s progress. These appointments are imperative to ensure that the patient is recovering well and that the artificial cornea is functioning as intended.

Silk eye surgery is a revolutionary procedure that can restore vision to those affected by various corneal diseases. However, it’s a delicate procedure that requires a high degree of expertise and meticulous attention to detail. As such, it’s critical to choose a surgeon and a healthcare facility with a proven track record in performing this surgery.

After the process of silk eye surgery, several things happen in order to ensure successful recovery and optimal vision restoration:
Immediate Recovery: Immediately after the surgery, the patient spends a few hours in the recovery room under the close supervision of medical staff. The eye is bandaged to protect it from any immediate post-operative injury.

Discharge and Home Care:
Once stable, the patient is usually discharged on the same day. They are provided with clear instructions regarding eye care at home, including the proper use of medications and protective eyewear, and signs of complications to look out for.

Gradual Adjustments:
The patient may initially experience vision changes such as distortion or depth perception alterations. Over time, the brain adjusts to these changes, and vision generally improves.

Medication Regime:
The patient needs to adhere to a strict medication regime that typically includes topical eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation and possibly to control eye pressure.

Eye Protection:
It’s crucial for patients to protect their eyes from injury and from direct sunlight. Wearing sunglasses and using protective eye shields, especially while sleeping or during vigorous activity, can be helpful.

Management of Potential Complications:
In case of complications such as infection, inflammation, or artificial cornea rejection, the doctor may alter the treatment plan or prescribe additional medications.

Visual Rehabilitation:
Depending on the patient’s vision post-surgery, corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses may be required. Rehabilitation specialists may also provide training to help patients adapt to their new vision and maximize their visual capacity.

Long-term Follow-ups:
Regular follow-ups even years after the surgery are important to monitor the eye’s long-term health and the functionality of the artificial cornea.

Lifestyle Adjustments:
The patient may need to make certain lifestyle adjustments to protect their eye and ensure the longevity of the artificial cornea. This can include avoiding strenuous activities and following a healthy diet to support overall eye health.

These steps ensure that the patient gains the maximum benefit from the silk eye surgery, with the ultimate objective of restoring vision and improving the patient’s quality of life.