Clear front part (watch-glass) of the eye
The cornea is the normally clear, front window of the eye that covers the colored iris and round, dark pupil. Light is focused while passing through the cornea, allowing us to see.
A healthy, clear cornea is necessary for good vision. It is the first layer through which light is focused into the eye.
If cornea is injured or affected by disease, it may become swollen or scarred, and its smoothness and clarity may be lost. Scars, swelling or an irregular shape can cause the cornea to scatter or distort light, resulting in glare or blurry vision.
Any injury, infection or foreign body in the cornea can cause ulcer or infection of the cornea which can cause severe pain, redness, whiteness on the cornea and loss of vision.
Treatment of corneal ulcers involves intensive and appropriate anti-microbial therapy (determined after microbiological testing of corneal scrapings). If medical management fails, surgery may have to be done. If a corneal transplant is necessary, the damaged or unhealthy cornea tissue is removed and clear donor cornea tissue is put in its place.
There are many conditions that can affect the clarity/functioning of the cornea and require a corneal transplant.
They can be :
A corneal transplant is needed if vision cannot be corrected satisfactorily with eyeglasses or contact lenses, or if painful swelling cannot be relieved by medications or special contact lenses.
A corneal transplant is done using a human donor cornea. Before a cornea is released for transplant, tests are done for viruses that cause hepatitis, AIDS and other potentially infectious diseases. The cornea is also checked for clarity.
1. Full-thickness corneal transplant surgery (known as penetrating keratoplasty): A circular portion is removed from the center of the diseased cornea. A matching circular area is removed from the center of a healthy, clear donor cornea, placed into position, and sutured into place.
2. Lamellar Keratoplasty :
a. DALK: Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (only front layers transplanted)
b. DSAEK: Endothelial keratoplasty (only abnormal inner lining of the cornea is replaced)
| Opaque cornea due to infection | Clear cornea after corneal transplant |
Eye donation is the donation of the cornea after death which is then transplanted to corneally blind people.
Anyone can be an Eye Donor
Removal of eyes takes only 20 minutes. It does not delay funeral arrangements or disfigure the face.
Eyes can be removed within 6-8 hours of time of death. If eyes are kept moist with wet cotton and in an air-conditioned room, a longer gap also may be acceptable.
No. Eyes can be donated irrespective of whether the deceased had pledged his/her eyes or not. Decision is taken by the next of kin.
We at Wavikar Eye Institute are striving towards eradication of corneal blindness through VISHWANATH EYE BANK. We have a 24-hour dedicated helpline. The Eye Bank Staff attend to eye donation calls 24 x 7 on all 365 days. We also conduct lot of awareness programmes and screening camps for the same.
Wavikar Eye Institute is well equipped with state-of-the art equipment for corneal diagnostics. Moreover it holds the unique distinction of having experienced, well trained full time cornea consultant and support staff.
