The future is brighter for many eye patients at Solihull Hospital thanks to a new corneal transplant service that is now available.

The new service enables local patients with reduced sight caused by conditions affecting the cornea of the eye, such as complicated cataract surgery and scarring from trauma and contact lens related infections, to have a transplant to replace part of the cornea as a day case procedure.

Once a suitable donor has been allocated, corneal tissue is replaced by consultant, Mr Amit Patel and his team at Solihull Hospital’s ophthalmology department in under two hours.

Implementation of the latest transplantation techniques using specialised equipment mean that most cases can be performed under local anaesthetic which results in a rapid recovery.  For some eye conditions, patients experience an improvement in vision within a few weeks whereas traditional surgery would have normally taken one to two years.

The newer techniques also allow selective replacement of the diseased portions of the cornea rather than the entire cornea. This reduces the risk at the time of surgery and also the risk of transplant rejection.

Mr Amit Patel, consultant ophthalmologist, said: “Introducing the corneal transplant service at Solihull Hospital has already helped give 14 patients improved sight with approximately 50 patients likely to have this procedure each year.  As only a local anesthetic is needed, patients are home the same day and often notice a difference to their sight within a few short weeks. In addition to the short stay and quick recovery, the newer techniques are also safer for the patients.”

Donald Boon, aged 74 from Erdington was the first patient to receive a corneal transplant at Solihull Hospital.  He said: “I was in two minds about whether to have the operation on my damaged cornea, but the team  were so supportive and if I had not had it, in time my sight could have failed in that eye.  Eye sight is precious and I am so grateful to Mr Patel and his team for this procedure which has improved my vision.  I’m very fortunate that I’ve had the opportunity to have this transplant which means I can get about and live my life fully.”

Locals who would like to enquire about whether they are eligible for a corneal transplant should discuss possibility of referral with their GP.