There are millions of people who are blind because of problems affecting the cornea.
They can regain good vision by corneal transplantation (so called eye transplant). But the rate
of eye donations is far less than the need. Therefore, it is an appeal to everyone to pledge to
donate your eyes. One of the noblest deeds one can do.

What is a cornea?

The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped tissue at the front of the eye that lets in light and helps
focus it on the retina so that we can see.


What is a corneal transplant?

A corneal transplant is a surgical procedure that replaces a diseased or infected cornea with a
healthy donated cornea. Corneal transplantation is the most frequently performed transplant
procedure.


How safe is corneal transplantation?

Over 90% of all corneal transplants performed are successful. Donated corneas are transplanted
only after the donor's medical and social history has been obtained. Blood samples are taken
from the donor to test for HIV and Hepatitis, and the tissue itself is evaluated for suitability under
special microscopes.



What part of the eye is transplanted?

Although the entire eye is removed from the body but it is only the cornea that can be
transplanted. Usually artificial or plastic eyes are put in the socket of the dead and eyelids
stitched together to restore normal appearance of the face.

The cornea is the clear front window of the eye that covers the colored iris and the round pupil.
The cornea is about the size of a dime. Light passes through the cornea and as it passes through,
is focused so we can see. To stay clear, the cornea must be healthy. If a cornea is damaged,
it may become swollen or scarred and lose its smoothness and clarity. When the cornea is
scarred, swollen, or distorted into an irregular shape, light no longer passes through the cornea
well, so a blurred image forms in your eye.

A successful corneal transplantation requires care and attention on the part of both patient and
physician. Any candidate for corneal transplant should carefully read and understand all the
steps we describe in this section. And, as always, feel free to discuss your concerns with the
ophthalmologist


Conditions that may require corneal transplantations include:

* Corneal failure after other eye surgery, such as cataract surgery
* Keratoconus, a steep curving of the cornea
* Hereditary corneal failure, such as Fuchs' dystrophy
* Scarring after infections, especially after herpes
* Rejection after a first corneal transplantation
* Scarring after injury

Excluding Reasons for Cornea Transplantation

Excluding reasons for corneal transplantation are rare and would be determined on an individual
basis.

Registration

When you are informed that you need a corneal transplant you will have to register with the eye
bank. You are put on a waiting list and will be called when a suitable cornea is received.

When you are notified of the date of your surgery, make sure you let your family and employer
know. You may want to discuss how long you will be absent from work with your ophthalmologist,
as the amount of time depends on how fast you recover and the kind of work you do. Many
patients resume normal activities right after surgery and only need to avoid direct blows to the
eye and swimming for several weeks. You also should make arrangements for a family member
or friend to provide transportation. You also may need someone to take you to your doctor's
appointments after surgery if you do not see well enough to drive yourself.

Before a cornea is released for transplantation, the eye bank tests the human donor for the
viruses that cause hepatitis, AIDS. The cornea is carefully checked for clarity.