A keratoplasty is an operation on which part of the body?

A keratoplasty is a surgical procedure that specifically involves the cornea, which is the transparent front part of the eye that covers the iris, pupil, and anterior chamber. This operation is typically performed to restore transparency to the cornea, improve vision, or replace corneal tissue that has been damaged due to injury, disease, or degenerative conditions. It can involve the complete or partial transplantation of donor corneal tissue.

Understanding the role of the cornea in vision is essential; it acts as a barrier against dirt, germs, and other particles that can harm the inside of the eye, and it also helps to focus light. Thus, keratoplasty is an important procedure for individuals who have corneal scarring or other conditions that impair vision.

Other options refer to different parts of the eye or eye conditions but are not related to the procedure itself. The lens is involved in focusing light onto the retina, cataracts refer to clouding of the lens usually leading to impaired vision, and the retina is the layer of tissue at the back of the eye that receives light and converts it into neural signals. These structures are critical to the overall function of the eye but are not addressed by a keratoplasty.