 If a cornea becomes irreparably damaged, there is only one solution: corneal transplant, which can only be performed using donated corneal tissue. Also known as “keratoplasty,” corneal transplant is performed by specially trained ophthalmologists who replace damaged corneas and correct conditions that would otherwise cause the loss of eyesight.
What is the cornea?
The cornea is the clear surface at the front of your eye. The cornea’s job is to focus light, and a healthy cornea facilitates clear vision. When the cornea becomes damaged, either by disease or injury, light cannot properly enter the eye and vision is damaged or destroyed.
Corneal damage can be caused by a number of things, including a hereditary defect, corneal disease, infection, or eye injury. Corneal damage can also be the result of other eye surgeries, including cataract removal.
A High Success Rate
Corneal transplants have a success rate of approximately 95% and can usually be performed on an outpatient basis. Corneal transplant is only possible through cornea donation, as there is no substitute for human corneal tissue. Without the generosity of cornea donors, thousands of Americans will be left in the dark. For more information on becoming a cornea donor, click here.
Contact the Northeast Pennsylvania Lions Eye Bank today or call 1-800-NE-PA-EYE (637-2393).
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