CA
A 35-year-old member asked:
My dad has age related macular degeneration and his sight is failing fast. is a cornea transplant an option?
3 doctor answers • 9 doctors weighed in
Dr. Martin Mayersanswered
Ophthalmology 44 years experience
No: Macular degeneration affects the retina which is in the bak of the eye. The cornea is the clearr covering in the front of the eye. Unfortunately corneal transplantation will not help macular degerneration.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Majid Moshirfar commented
Ophthalmology 31 years experience
For macualr degeneration, we need to focus on the retina pathology.
He may one day be able to get retinal embryonic stem cell transplantation but it not a reality for him at this point. he needs to see a retina specialist and see if he can benefit from PDT laser and/or injections
Jan 30, 2012
Dr. Andrew Shatzanswered
Ophthalmology 28 years experience
Unfortunately not: The cornea is the front "window" of the eye, while the macula is part of the "film" in the back. Macular degeneration (armd) damages the film layer, and replacing the cornea will not help the condition - much like replacing a camera's lens will not improve the picture if the film is damaged. There are treatments for armd that may help your father, however. Have him see a doctor about his options.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Samuel Baroneanswered
Ophthalmology 24 years experience
No: Macular degeneration is a problem with the retina, the film in the back of the eye that captures light (just like film in a camera). The cornea is the clear covering in the front of the eye, sort of like the "windshield" of the eye. A cornea transplant will only help vision loss that is from a problem with a cornea, and will not help vision loss that is entirely from macular degeneration.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated May 4, 2016
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