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The CORNEA is the transparent tissue at the front of the eye and the only place in the body where tissue is clear. The transparency and shape of the cornea is vital for good vision and any alteration in this can result in poor vision or blindness.
Conditions affecting the shape of the cornea include Keratoconus. The cornea instead of being round is shaped like cone and has considerable astigmatism Fortunately the majority of patients with keratinous are able to see with glasses or contact lenses, however in their lifetime 15% are likely to become intolerant to lenses and may require surgery, either Intacs if suitable or a corneal transplant.
Conditions that affect the transparency of the cornea include Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy, a condition where the cells of the innermost layer (endothelium) become deficient and unable to remove fluid from the cornea. The cornea becomes swollen and loses clarity. Trauma, prior eye surgery and Herpes simplex viral disease can also affect corneal clarity.
Corneal transplantation involves removal of a portion of (partial or lamellar keratoplasty) or complete (full thickness or penetrating keratoplasty) removal of a cloudy or deformed cornea and replacement with a transplant donated by another human being at death.
Types of Transplantation Performed at Centre for Sight:
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