Corneal transplantation
This photo shows the eye after corneal transplantation. The cornea is the clear part in the front of the eye. It allows light to pass through to the retina unobstructed. The curvature of the cornea bends the light rays and focuses them on the retina, producing clear images in normal vision. Disease or trauma to the cornea can alter its structure and cause vision loss. Changes in cornealshape, thickness, or clarity cause poor vision that can often be corrected with a corneal transplant. During Cornea Transplant Surgery, a circle of tissue about 8mm in diameter is removed from the patient's cornea. It is replaced with corneal tissue from a human donor. The donor tissue is carefully screened to prevent transmission of disease to the recipient. The new donor cornea is stitched into position using very thin nylon thread. The sutures are barely visible and do not cause pain, although it is normal for the eye to feel scratchy or irritated for the first few days after surgery.
I am a bilateral corneal transplant recipient and it was a fascinating experience from both a patient and a provider perspective.
