How Is a Cornea Transplant Done?
The Cornea The cornea is a dime-sized piece of tissue at the front of the eye that covers the iris and pupil and, along with the lens, helps the eye focus. The cornea is usually clear, but due to disease or damage it can be scarred or become opaque resulting in poor vision or blindness. The first step in treating cornea conditions is medication. If medication is not effective, the cornea can be removed and replaced with a donated human cornea. This has become a common procedure and cornea transplants are the most common transplant operations done in the United States, according to the Cornea Genetic Eye Institute. Transplant Surgery When you need a cornea transplant, your name will be put on a list with a local eye bank. Unlike other transplant operations, the wait for a donated cornea is usually short. Your damaged cornea will be carefully measured before surgery and the donor cornea will be custom fit to your eye. Cornea transplants are usually done on an outpatient basis under local
