Corneal Blindness
A Global Challange
Corneal disease is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, with 29.5 million total patients and 2 million cases each year in need of corneal transplant, as opposed to a mere 185,000 transplantations carried out annually worldwide. Globally, there is a considerable shortage of donor corneal graft tissue, with only 1 cornea available for every 70 needed. Approximately 53% of the world’s population has no access to eye banking and corneal transplantation. The shortage of donor tissue can lead to long waiting times, which can be stressful and impact the patient’s quality of life.
In countries where corneal transplantation (keratoplasty) is practiced, patients often experience varying outcomes in vision quality, and the recovery can be slow. Graft failure is a growing challenge as it is indicated in 20%-30% of cases.
World Map Showing the Supply and Demand of Corneal Transplantation of 148 Countries
*Gain P, Jullienne R, He Z, et al. Global Survey of Corneal Transplantation and Eye Banking. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2016;134(2):167–173. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2015.4776
Two-year graft survival after keratoplasty (ECCTR report)
Corneal Transplantation
Anatomical Success Rate
For corneally blind patients, corneal transplantation is often the only remedy where donor tissue is available. However, success rates vary based on graft quality, indication, surgical technique, and post-operative care. According to the European Cornea and Cell Transplantation Registry (ECCTR), while corneal transplantation is generally successful, many grafts eventually fail. Failed grafts are now a leading indication for transplantation, posing a higher risk of failure for regrafted corneas and straining healthcare resources due to a global donor tissue shortage. For patients, failed grafts significantly impact quality of life, with prolonged waits and recovery times potentially leading to depression and anxiety.
Corneal Transplantation
Functional Success Rate
Empower
Growth
The time required for a cornea to clear following keratoplasty varies depending on the type of transplant and individual healing factors. Generally, it takes about 3 to 12 months for the eye to fully heal and for vision to stabilize. Once stabilized, the quality of vision post-surgery varies significantly among patients. Approximately 50% of patients experience significant astigmatism post-surgery, with many having astigmatism exceeding 4-5 dioptres. This high rate of astigmatism is primarily due to the physical deformation of the donor tissue when sutured to the recipient’s cornea, often resulting in a low quality of vision that impacts everyday life. In some cases, additional surgical interventions are performed by adjusting the sutures to correct high astigmatism within the first year post-surgery. Sutures are typically left in place for 18-24 months
Astigmatism following keratoplasty