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Corneal

The cornea is the clear outer layer at the front of the eyeball. The coloured iris and the pupil (the black dot in the centre of the iris) can be seen through the cornea. The cornea helps to focus light rays on to the retina (the light-sensitive film at the back of the eye). This "picture" is then transmitted to the brain. When the cornea is damaged, it can become less transparent or its shape can change. This can prevent light reaching the retina and causes the picture transmitted to the brain to be distorted or unclear. If your cornea cannot be healed or repaired, your ophthalmologist may recommend a corneal transplant. This is when the diseased cornea is replaced with a clear, healthy cornea from a human donor.

What is cornea transplant? Top
A cornea transplant is an operation to remove all or part of a damaged cornea and replace it with healthy donor tissue. A cornea transplant is often referred to as keratoplasty or a corneal graft. It can be used to improve sight, relieve pain and treat severe infection or damage.  
   
What causes cornea problems?  

Eye disease and injuries can damage the cornea. Here are some common eye problems that can lead to a damaged cornea:

  • Eye infections or injuries that scar the cornea
  • Previous corneal surgery or other eye surgery that damaged the cornea
  
   
What are the reasons for a corneal transplant? Top
Transplants may be performed to restore vision by replacing scarred, diseased or physically distorted corneal tissue with clear, non-distorted healthy tissue. Often times, these are typically caused by Keratoconus, trauma or infections. Your physician may also recommend transplantation to improve the appearance of corneal scars.  
   
How long a cornea transplant takes?  
The procedure usually takes less than an hour and, depending on your circumstances, you either leave hospital the same day or stay overnight.  
   
Is the whole eye transplanted?  
No, only the corneas can be transplanted. However, the entire eye may be recovered for use in research or education.  
   
Are there any risks? Top
As with all types of surgery, there is a risk of complications resulting from a cornea transplant. These can include the new cornea being rejected by the body, infection and further vision problems.  
   
What is recovery like?  

The recovery time for a cornea transplant depends on the type of transplant you have. It takes about 18 months to enjoy the final results of a full-thickness transplant, although it's usually possible to provide glasses or a contact lens much earlier.

It's important to take good care of your eye to improve your chances of a good recovery. This means not rubbing your eye and avoiding activities such as contact sports and swimming until you're told it's safe.

  
   
Who can donate? Top
Anyone can. The great thing about corneal tissue is that everyone is a universal donor. Your blood type does not have to match. It doesn’t matter how old you are, what color your eyes are or how good your eyesight is. Aside from those suffering from infections or a few highly communicable diseases such as HIV or hepatitis, most people are suitable donors.  
   
What is the risk of transplant failure?  
Corneal rejection is uncommon. In the rare event it occurs, it can be treated medically in most circumstances. Rarely, a loss of transparency occurs due to rejection or repeated eye surgeries. If this occurs, another procedure may be performed at the discretion of your surgeon.  
   
How long a corneal transplant lasts?  
Most corneal transplants last well beyond 10 years. Corneal transplant patients require bi-annual ophthalmic checkups to ensure optimal eye health.  
   
When can I resume normal activities? Top
This varies from patient to patient. In general, it is safe to resume normal non-contact physical activities, like exercise, within 1 month.  
   
Will my eye colour change?  
No, your eye color stays exactly the same. The transplant involves only the transparent clear cornea and not the coloured part of the eye (iris).  
   
How successful is corneal transplantation?  
Over 95% of all corneal transplant operations successfully restore the corneal recipient’s vision.  
   
Why should eyes be donated? Top
There is no substitute for human tissue. The transplantation process depends upon the priceless gift of corneal donation from one human to another.  
   
Are there religious objections to eye, organ, or tissue donations?  
No. Eye, organ, and tissue donation are consistent with the beliefs of major religions. Donation is an opportunity to help save a life or restore someone’s sight.  
   
How soon after a donation must a cornea be transplanted?  
Recovery of the donor eye tissue takes place within hours of death, but most transplants occur within a week of recovery.  
   
What happens if corneas are not suitable for transplant? Top
Some medical conditions pose a problem for transplantation and a hazard for medical personnel. An extensive review of the donor’s medical, family and social history is conducted, as well as detailed examinations of the donor eyes and corneas. As a result, some donated eyes are rejected as unsuitable for transplantation; whenever possible these tissues are used for research and educational programs.  
   
What if I wear eye glasses or have other eye problems?  
No. Previous eye surgery or diseases do not automatically disqualify donation.  
   
Will the recipient be told who donated the cornea?  
Generally, no. The gift of sight is made anonymously. Information about the donor or donor family is not made available to the recipient and likewise, recipient information is not made available to the donor family.  
   
How does one become a donor? Top
The first thing about becoming a donor is to tell your family. If you wish to donate then you should sign up with PHOTA.