Organ Donation

Corneal Transplantation and Function

1. The cornea is responsible for focusing images, much like a magnifying glass. Degenerative conditions, hereditary weaknesses, inflammation, and deep injuries that result in scarring can cloud the cornea.
2. The epithelium protects it from foreign bodies.
3. It also filters out harmful UV rays.

4. The stroma maintains transparency through uniform water distribution.
5. The endothelium pumps out incoming aqueous humor to ensure uniform distribution.
6. Replacements are available for only 69% of those in need.

7. Vitreous pressure is reduced in the cloudy eye.
8. This allows the patient’s cornea to be removed with a circular blade. br>9. It is replaced with a slightly larger donor cornea.

10. The donor cornea is secured with two nylon sutures. The surgery takes about 45 minutes.
11. The first continuous suture is removed after four to six days at the earliest, and the second after twelve days at the earliest.