Corneal Transplants: Saving Sight

Corneal transplants occur when the cornea has been damaged due to injury or through some diseases. It will not treat all eye related illnesses, mainly just those associated with the cornea. The first step in a corneal transplant surgery is to determine eligibility. Factors such as what is wrong with the defective cornea, age, and health level are determined. Once it has been determined that the patient is a good candidate for the surgery, he or she is placed on a waiting list. Corneas cannot be manufactured. They are not made of sophisticated polymers or plastics. They must come from a human donor that has agreed in advance either to be an organ donor or come from the consent of family.

Transplants are performed everyday, all over the world. It may be a heart transplant, a liver transplant or even a kidney transplant. Most people are familiar with these procedures. One transplant that is often overlooked but probably has the highest success rate is the corneal transplant. It is where a healthy cornea replaces a damaged cornea. It is not the whole eye, but merely a piece.

Factors in cornea donation revolve mainly around the health of the donor cornea. Factors such as age, race, sex or creed do not play a factor. Once the donor is found and all necessary paperwork is done, the removed cornea is rushed to the hospital that will do the transplant. The receiving patient is prepped for surgery. Once the patient is ready, the anesthetic is given and then the damaged cornea is cut out with the use of a special microscope. The new cornea is put in and stitched into place. The procedure is not without risks though. It is possible for the body to reject the foreign tissue no matter the repression drugs given. It is less likely though in a corneal transplant surgery due to the lack of blood vessels. The doctor will keep a close watch on the patient to make sure the newly operated eye does not become infected. Medicines such as eye drops and steroids are prescribed, as is some pain medication for the discomfort.

It is not without our fellow man that corneal transplants are a reality. It is through the gift and charity of donating corneas, as well as other organs, that individuals lost in the darkness are given the light. Perhaps there will be a day when perfect vision or restored vision is as easy as a trip to the local hardware store.

See Without Glasses
Ebook. How you can see better at any age, without the help of glasses, contacts or risky lasik surgery. Here are simple daily routines that take only minutes a day to improve your eyesight. Natural Healing Method.More...

Secrets To Perfect Eyesight.
Uncover The Natural Secrets To Improving Your Eyesight.More...

Oh I See Abc Of Childs Vision.
Discover Amazing Facts About Your Childs Eyesight! What Causes Eyestrain And Headaches. Find Out Exactly How Far A Baby Can See. Learn About Concentration, Reading And How To Recognize If Your Child Is Short Sighted Or Has Astigmatism.More...

Artificial Cornea For Kids WHOI
Artificial Cornea For KidsWHOI,IL Sep 29, 2008Traditionally, Severely Damaged Or Diseased Corneas Are Treated With A Corneal Transplant. The Old Cornea Is Removed And Replaced With One From A Deceased ... More...

Role Of Stem Cells In Renewing The Cornea Science Daily Press Release
Role Of Stem Cells In Renewing The CorneaScience Daily Press Release Oct 2, 2008Treatment Options Involve Corneal Transplants And, More Recently, Stem Cell Therapy. The Surface Of The Cornea Is Naturally In A State Of Constant Renewal; ... More...

DXEK Exchanges Corneal Disc After Failed Penetrating Keratoplasty OSN SuperSite Subscription
OSN SuperSite SubscriptionDXEK Exchanges Corneal Disc After Failed Penetrating KeratoplastyOSN SuperSite Subscription,NJ Sep 10, 2008The Donor Corneal Disc Is Gently Released From The Host Cornea, Namely The PK Graft. Avoiding Any Excessive Force Will Help Prevent Potential Separation Of ... More...

Hibs Star Hogg Hit By Eyesight Trauma Scotsman
Hibs Star Hogg Hit By Eyesight TraumaScotsman,United Kingdom 2 Hours AgoBy DAVID HARDIE MIXU PAATELAINEN Today Revealed How Defender Chris Hogg Ruled Himself Out Of Hibs Pittodrie Win After Suffering Problems With His Eyesight. ... More...

First Paired Kidney Transplants Done Here RedOrbit
First Paired Kidney Transplants Done HereRedOrbit,TX 5 Hours AgoBy Gustafson, Jeanne Sacred Heart Medical Center Has Performed Its First Kidney Transplant Accomplished In A Dominoeffect Scenario That Involves Two Live ...3 Top Surgeons On Short List For UPMC Transplant Chief RedOrbitall 2 News Articles More...