Cornea Transplants
Cornea Transplant Demonstration
The cornea is the clear tissue in the front of the eye. A corneal transplant is the surgical procedure that replaces an unhealthy cornea with a healthy donor cornea. Corneal transplantation is one of the most frequently performed human transplants. The procedure has benefited patients ranging in age from newborn to 103 years old.
Common reasons for corneal transplants:
- Eye disease
- Injuries to the cornea
- Misshapen corneas
- Birth defects and congenital diseases
- Complications following cataract surgery
Sclera Transplants
In addition to the cornea, the sclera (the white of the eye) can also be transplanted.
- Glaucoma: Donor sclera is used in glaucoma procedures that involve tube shunts (a common glaucoma surgery). A scleral patch goes over the implant to protect the artificial tube and prevent the conjunctiva from rupturing. Sclera can also be used when a flap is cut in the patient's sclera to relieve pressure in the eye. If the cells in the flap die, a donor sclera patch is used.
- Optosis: Optosis is droopy eye, a condition that can be treated with cosmetic surgery. Donor sclera is used to give rigidity to the lower lid.
- Enucleation: If a tumor is discovered in the eye, the entire eye may need to be removed (enucleated). Other conditions (trauma, disease, etc.) may necessitate enucleation as well. When an eyeball is removed and a prosthesis is wanted, a whole globe of sclera can be used.
- Scleral Ulcers: A donor scleral patch can be used to treat scleral ulcers.