Bumrungrad develops further ophthalmology center with the launch of ‘Cornea Transplant Center’, the first private hospital to have a cornea transplant center that covers all the complex treatments related to the cornea.
The World Health Organization states that Around 2.2 billion people worldwide have visual problems, most of them from eye disorders such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or cataracts. According to the results of The first rapid assessment of avoidable blindness (RAAB) in Thailand, blindness is 92% preventable and 76.8% curable. The cause of blindness is caused by three main factors. These are cataracts, glaucoma and corneal disease, which are common vision problems in people aged 50 and over. More and more people with eye problems are becoming less common in the average age group.
Ms. Atirat Jarukitpipat Chief Executive Officer Bumrungrad Hospital revealed that “In 42 years since its inception Bumrungrad Hospital has upgraded its treatment to Quaternary Care as well as developed a Center of Excellence to provide comprehensive care for patients. Bumrungrad’s medical excellence with readiness in every aspect Both in medical care by a team of specialist ophthalmologists in all areas of the eye and a multidisciplinary team. combined with the use of advanced innovations for diagnosis and treatment This gives the Ophthalmology Center the potential to treat all kinds of eye health problems, even in difficult and complex diseases. which includes opening ‘Cornea transplant center’ or ‘Cornea Transplant Center’ Bumrungrad is the first private hospital to have a corneal transplant center that provides comprehensive services for all corneal-related treatments. This is once again the pride of Bumrungrad.”
Dr. Methinee Sirimaharaj, Head of the Eye Center Bumrungrad Hospital Said, “Since the eye is an important organ and consists of many different tissues, it is necessary to have a specialist ophthalmologist in each field to take care of it. The eye center consists of a team of specialists in various fields. Covering all eye-related problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, reconstructive and reconstructive ophthalmic surgery, iritis, corneal disease, pediatric ophthalmic disease and strabismus, optic nerve surgery with ReLEx SMILE, etc. underwent surgery and needed to be assessed physically and mentally Ophthalmologists work with specialists in other related fields, such as internists, anesthesiologists, psychiatrists, along with a multidisciplinary team. To deliver the highest quality and safety treatment by eye center has adjusted the location to accommodate the increasing number of service users There are 13 eye exam rooms with modern equipment for diagnosis and treatment. To be able to accommodate more complex eye patients as well.”
‘Cornea transplant center’ Bumrungrad Hospital Provides comprehensive services for all treatments related to cornea, such as corneal infection, corneal swelling, cornea deflection, corneal degeneration caused by genetics. corneal scars including corneal transplants This group of patients should be diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. because it may affect vision or may be severe to the point of permanent vision loss
Dr. Teerawee Hongyok, a cornea specialist and eye surgery Bumrungrad Hospital Information that the cornea is the most front of the black eye. It has a transparent curve with a total of 5 layers that serve to allow light to pass through. and refracting light to fall together on the inner retina for better visibility If the patient begins to have symptoms of blurred vision or fog, eyes do not fight light, eyesight changes often, unusually astigmatism, seeing a cloud of light or seeing light circles when looking at lights, feeling irritated while wearing contact lenses or an accident The cornea is ulcerated or cloudy. It may indicate that the cornea may be beginning to have problems. Therefore, you should see a doctor for evaluation and diagnosis. The ophthalmologist will examine the eyes thoroughly. A corneal pathology assessment tool, such as a Corneal Topographer, may also be used, which helps to look at the shape of the cornea to obtain accurate and complete information.
Causes that cause the cornea to become cloudy, white, swollen, or cause the cornea to curve deformed. Common in foreign countries, including degenerative diseases of the inner cornea cells from genetics The cells on the inside of the cornea keep the cornea clear by regulating the water in the cornea. When deteriorated, it causes the cornea to swell, thicken, become blemish, and corneal deformity. that may be associated with uncontrolled allergies causing the eyes to rub for a long time until the cornea becomes weak, thin and deformed In Thailand, corneas become cloudy from corneal infections more often. which may be caused by work wearing contact lenses that are not well cared for or riding a motorcycle without a helmet This will help protect the head and eyes. Another common cause is corneal degeneration after complex eye surgery. or abnormally opaque cornea from birth It can be found quite a bit as well. All of them have the effect of causing white patches on the cornea. Swollen cornea or deformed curvature This can cause severe vision loss, which many diseases can be corrected by ‘cornea transplant’ to restore clear cornea. and see again
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngamjit Kasetsuwan, President of the Cornea and Vision Correction Club of Thailand and ophthalmologists Bumrungrad Hospital Discuss the method of corneal transplantation. It will be surgery to remove the cornea of the patient that is cloudy or diseased. and then implanted with the donor’s cornea. Advantages of Corneal Transplant Treatment is to help improve the patient’s vision problems. Helps strengthen the cornea in the event that the patient has a thin or perforated cornea. and help control corneal infections in cases where patients have corneal infections The treatment uses a new surgical camera that combines techniques that help in examining different layers. of the cornea during surgery Microscope-integrated intraoperative optical coherence tomography allows for more accurate corneal surgery. Corneal replacement surgery can be divided into 2 methods:
- All layers of cornea transplant (Penetrating keratoplasty) if the patient has all layers of the cornea. (which has 5 sub-layers of the cornea or 3 main layers, namely the surface layer or the upper layer, the middle layer and the layer or the conjunctiva) or does not work well This surgery In surgery, all the pathological layers of the cornea are removed and the cornea of the same thickness and all layers is replaced.
- Layered corneal transplant (Lamellar keratoplasty) in cases where the patient has partially damaged cornea. It will be implanted only some layers, including the cornea transplant on the upper layer (Anterior lamellar keratoplasty), which has the advantages. No need to remove the septum or innermost cornea. Thereby reducing the risk that the patient’s body will reject the cornea resulting from the transplant. as well as reducing other complications as well. Another type of corneal transplant surgery is Endothelial keratoplasty is the removal of the pathological inner corneal septum. and replaced with corneal septum from donated eyes that are transplanted This layer of cornea is very thin, about 10-15 microns, so it’s a very delicate surgery. In addition, this type of surgery has a small incision size of only 3-5 mm, which reduces many complications. Importantly, the recovery of eyesight is very fast for weeks. Much faster than all corneal transplants.
In the event that the patient has more complex corneal disease symptoms. cornea transplant center Bumrungrad Hospital There is a team of specialists in various fields that are ready to provide care and treatment for complex diseases. and has a variety of treatment techniques Sometimes the doctor may use other methods of treatment as well, such as Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK), which is a treatment of corneal disease with an excimer laser, ultraviolet A (Corneal collagen cross-linking) to strengthen the neck fibers. collagen in the cornea and ring implant surgery (Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segment) to adjust the curvature of the cornea. for the most efficient vision
For the current situation of eye procurement and services of the Thai Red Cross Eye Center It is reported that patients who need corneal transplants will have to wait around 3-5 years for donations, which accounts for only 2% of the Thai population for eye donation after death. As each year, there are more than 1,000 people requesting eye donation and the trend is increasing every year. On average, only 600-700 people receive corneal transplants each year. Currently, there are more than 17,000 people waiting for their eyes. May cause symptoms of the patient from a small start to become more As a result, treatment is more difficult and more risky, for example, in cases of diabetic retinopathy, the laser can not be treated. worsen the condition of the disease and followed by other complications
“Cornea Transplant Center Bumrungrad Hospital Therefore, it is another potential option and there is a way to procure donated eyes for corneal replacement surgery more convenient and faster. This is to alleviate the burden from the government in caring for corneal disease patients who need corneal transplantation in order to have more access to quality treatment in a timely manner. so that patients can return to have good vision and quality of life again.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngamjit Kasetsuwan Conclude
With the potential and readiness of the medical team of Bumrungrad Hospital with more than 30 years of experience and expertise in organ transplantation, kidney transplantation, liver transplantation and heart transplantation, the current success rate of corneal transplant surgery at 70-95% depending on the symptoms and disease the patient has This is the most successful organ transplant surgery compared to other organ transplants. One of the factors affecting the success of the surgery was the fit of the wound junction between the patient’s cornea tissue. and corneal tissue to be transplanted Therefore, the corneal cutting technique The trephination of both the transplanted cornea and the patient’s cornea tissue is therefore very important. Corneal transplantation therefore requires a physician with advanced experience and expertise in surgery. should undergo eye health screening services annually
For more information, please contact cornea transplant center Bumrungrad Hospital 18th Floor, Building A (Clinic) or call 0-2 011 3886 or call 1378