Corneal Transplant

The cornea is the curved, clear layer of tissue on the front surface of the eye which is responsible for 2/3 of the eye's focussing power. If the clarity or curvature of the cornea is altered through disease or injury, vision can be dramatically affected. There are numerous diseases than can affect the cornea's clarity, including viral or bacterial infections, and hereditary disorders. Once the vision is has decreased to a significant degree, corneal transplantation is indicated.

Corneal Transplantation is an extremely delicate microsurgical procedure. It is, however, the most successful of all organ transplant procedures, with a success rate of over 90%. Using special surgical instruments, the central portion of the diseased cornea is removed. The new 'donor' cornea is then sutured in place using extremely fine sutures. The procedure takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, may be done under either local or general anesthesia, and is entirely painless. Rejection of the new donor cornea is quite uncommon. It is quite common, however, for it to take several months before vision improves and stabilizes. Most patients who have no other eye disease can expect to recover good vision after corneal transplantation.

The Procedure

1. White arrow shows opaque, damaged cornea.

2. Round shaped portion of damaged cornea removed.

3. A donor button of clear cornea is replaced.

4. The donor cornea is sutured into place.

Dr. Reinstein has been successfully performing corneal transplantation since 1968.