CORNEAL TRANSPLANTS

The cornea is the clear front "window" to the eye through which light passes. The normal cornea is completely transparent living tissue. Due to injury or disease, the cornea may become damaged and opaque (place cursor over image). Light may no longer effectively pass through the damaged cornea resulting in diminished vision. A corneal transplantation procedure may be indicated. The cornea is the clear front "window" to the eye through which light passes. The normal cornea is completely transparent living tissue. Due to injury or disease, the cornea may become damaged and opaque (place cursor over image). Light may no longer effectively pass through the damaged cornea resulting in diminished vision. A corneal transplantation procedure may be indicated.

During the procedure, the damaged cornea is replaced with a clear donor cornea. The donor cornea comes from a healthy patient who has donated their eyes after death. This is an extremely delicate microsurgical procedure. The procedure first involves removal of a round, button-shaped shaped portion of the damaged cornea. Then, the clear donor cornea, prepared to the same size, is replaced within the round opening. Finally, this donor cornea is stitched into place with extremely fine sutures. Other procedures may be performed at the time of corneal transplant surgery if necessary.