Vision is inarguably the most vital sense, enabling individuals to navigate the world, connect with others, and experience life in vivid detail. At the forefront of maintaining clear vision is the cornea, the transparent, dome-shaped outer layer of the eye that focuses light onto the retina. However, injury, infection, or diseases such as keratoconus and corneal dystrophies can compromise its clarity, leading to significant visual impairment or blindness. For millions of people worldwide, corneal transplantation has offered a lifeline, restoring sight and improving quality of life. This remarkable procedure, first performed successfully over a century ago, has transformed from a rudimentary surgical endeavour into a sophisticated intervention supported by advances in technology, immunology, and bioengineering. As we look to the future, corneal transplantation continues to evolve, offering innovative solutions to the challenges of donor shortages, surgical precision, and accessibility. This article will explore a brief history, current techniques and future advancement in corneal transplantation.

The 21st century has seen a sharp rise in the use of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, such as dermal fillers and botox injections. Their immense popularity can be attributed to their promise of facial rejuvenation, ease of access, and minimal downtime. However, as their use has surged, so too have their complications. Given the delicate neurovascular anatomy surrounding the eye, improper injection techniques or product migration have led to serious adverse effects including vision loss, diplopia, and ptosis. This article aims to highlight some key ophthalmic risks associated with cosmetic procedures and consequently highlight the importance of awareness and preventative strategies.

Keratoconus is a progressive corneal disorder characterised by thinning and conical shape of the cornea, posing a significant impact to ophthalmology physicians and patients’ quality of life. Patients are affected from a young age with various habitual, genetic, and environmental factors including eye rubbing, previous family history, as well as conditions such as Down Syndrome. Visual acuity is impacted through severe astigmatism, corneal scarring, and even corneal perforation with a prevalence of up to 5% of the population, especially in regions such as the Middle East.