Kadapa: Two patients underwent corneal transplant (also known as Keratoplasty) surgeries successfully this past week at the LVPEI, RSR campus - One an 18-year-old male from Anantapur district and a 65-year-old male from Kadapa district.
These corneal transplant surgeries mark a significant advancement in access to specialized eye care services in the Rayalaseema region. Corneal transplant surgery involves replacing the damaged or diseased cornea with a healthy donor cornea. The procedure restores vision in patients affected by corneal blindness caused due to conditions such as keratoconus, corneal scarring, dystrophies, degenerations, or failed previous grafts.
Typically, post-transplant patients require a minimum of 5–6 follow-up visits in the first six months for close monitoring, particularly for signs of rejection or infection. The availability of these complex surgeries at the LVPEI, RSR campus drastically reduces the time, effort and money spent by patients were they to have these surgeries at Hyderabad or any other city.
Long-term success rates for corneal transplantation are reported to be as high as 80–90%, depending on the underlying condition and patient compliance with treatment and follow-up.
This is a significant milestone for the LVPEI RSR campus in Kadapa and going forward from this point onwards, it is open to schedule more such complex surgeries to meet the needs of the patients in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Rajeev Reddy, Vice Chair- LVPEI, said 'The introduction of corneal transplantation services at our Kadapa campus of LVPEI is a major step toward decentralizing advanced eye care and bringing it closer to underserved communities. In addition to corneal transplantation, we have also initiated advanced surgeries in retina, glaucoma, squint, orbit & eyelid, and ocular oncology specialties. We are committed to expanding access while ensuring the highest standards of quality and care.'