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Corneal Transplant

The cornea is the clear, living tissue on the very front part of the eye. Light passes through the clear cornea on its path toward the retina in the back part of the eye. Sometimes the cornea is referred to as the "window" to the eye. Occasionally, either through disease or injury, the corneal tissue is damaged to a point where light can no longer effectively pass through it, resulting in reduced vision.

Where recommended by an ophthalmologist, a corneal transplant procedure may be performed replacing the damaged cornea with a clear donor cornea. This is an extremely delicate microsurgical procedure.

The procedure first involves removal of a round, button-shaped portion of the damaged cornea. Then, a clear donor cornea, prepared to the same size, is replaced within the round opening. Finally, the donor cornea is stitched into place with extremely fine sutures.

Other procedures, if necessary, may be performed at the time of corneal transplant surgery. As with any surgical procedures, complications and/or side effects may occur. Corneal transplant surgery is the most successful type of all organ/tissue transplant surgeries with a greater than 90 percent rate.

When is a Corneal Transplant Necessary?

The cornea is the clear front "window" to the eye through which light passes. A normal cornea consists of completely transparent living tissue. Due to injury or disease, the cornea may become damaged and opaque. Light may no longer effectively pass through the damaged cornea resulting in diminished vision. In these cases, a corneal transplant procedure may be indicated.

The Procedure

1. White arrow shows opaque, damaged cornea.

2. Round shaped portion of damaged cornea removed.

3. A donor button of clear cornea is replaced.

4. The donor cornea is sutured into place.

The Result

The damaged cornea is shown before surgery. Notice that the cornea is opaque. Following surgery, a clear donor cornea takes its place. It is stitched into place with very small sutures. Light may now pass uninhibited through this clear replacement cornea.

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