How are donor corneas obtained?
A corneal transplant is the final step of an involved process requiring a timely coordination. It begins with the death of a donor whose family must give permission to the eye bank for removal of the eyes, usually within six hours, but preferably as soon as possible after death. A wide network of eye banks exists so that corneas can be shipped to any part of the country and used within a few days. Under the auspices of the eye bank, the eyes are removed under sterile conditions and transported by plane, bus, police car or private automobile to the Lions Eye Bank of Delaware Valley, located at Wills Eye. Upon arrival at Wills Eye, the eyes are examined by a trained technician or by a Cornea Service physician to determine their usefulness for corneal surgery. Contrary to what many people believe, it is not necessary for the donor to have had perfect vision, but his or her cornea(s) can only be used for transplantation if they are healthy. Once the donor eyes are deemed satisfactory, the
