|
The cornea is the clear front of the eye
that covers the colored iris and the round pupil. The cornea
is essential to good vision. As the eye outermost tissue,
the cornea functions like a window that controls the entry
of light into the eye. If the cornea is damaged it may
become swollen or scarred. In either case, its smoothness
and clarity may be lost. This can cause blurred vision or
loss of vision.
Over 40,000 corneal transplants are performed each
year in the United States. Of all transplant surgery done
today including hearts, lungs, and kidneys – corneal
transplants are by far the most common and successful.
Utilizing donor corneal tissue.
After
deciding to have a corneal transplant, your name is put on a
eye bank. Corneas used for transplantation are obtained from
donor eyes and are collected within a few hours after the
demise of the donor. They are carefully inspected for
suitability and routine testing is performed to assure a
healthy donor cornea. After testing and processing, the
corneas are held in eye banks and distributed locally,
nationally, and sometimes internationally for patients
awaiting surgery. |
|
