Patient receives life changing corneal transplant at the age of 99
A 99-year-old woman from South Norfolk has become the oldest patient to receive a corneal transplant at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital (NNUH).
Annetta Lord, who recently turned 100, underwent a DMEK procedure performed by Mr Chrishan Gunasekera in October.
Corneal transplant surgery involves removing all or part of a damaged cornea and replacing it with healthy, clear corneal tissue from a donor. DMEK (Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty) involves carefully removing a single sheet of cells from a donated cornea and inserting it into a patient via a small incision.
The day case procedure uses a small gas bubble to hold the new corneal cells in place for two to three days while they settle and start working. Because only a single layer of cells is transplanted, DMEK offers excellent visual outcomes, faster recovery times, and a reduced risk of graft rejection compared with older techniques.
Annetta, who has lived in Norfolk all her life, had cataract surgery in her early 90’s but had experienced very poor vision in recent years. Since her transplant surgery she is back reading and doing puzzles without the need for glasses.
She said: “I wasn’t worried about the operation because of my age at all. I had every confidence in the surgeon. He asked if I wanted to see better, I said yes, and he said let’s do it. My vision is now the best it’s been in a long time.”
Mr Chrishan Gunasekera was the first to perform this surgery in Norfolk. He said: “There was absolutely no reason why Annetta couldn’t have this surgery and it has vastly improved her quality of life. This innovative technique is better for patients because it offers quicker healing and outstanding visual outcomes. As far as I’m aware, Annetta is the oldest patient to have this procedure in the country, and I’m delighted she is now able to enjoy her hobbies again. It was a pleasure to see her in clinic last month and see her birthday card from the King and Queen which she received for her 100th birthday in July.”
Annetta’s daughter Janet added: “I did initially ask the consultant if mum was ‘too old’ but he assured me she wasn’t. He was absolutely brilliant. I’m really pleased for mum that it’s been a great success.”