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The cornea is the clear dome-shaped “window”
on the surface of the eye. It not only protects the front
of the eye but also allows light to enter the eye. Because
the cornea is curved, it focuses the light, along with the
lens of the eye, onto your retina. We frequently operate on
the cornea to change its curvature for improved focusing (LASIK
surgery).
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The cornea can become diseased, scarred or irregularly
shaped such that the eye cannot see clearly. We can replace the
cornea, taking a donor cornea from a person who chooses to donate
their cornea after death. The surgery is complex and the visual
recovery slow, however corneal transplant surgery is the most successful
of all tissue transplants. More than 40,000 corneal transplants
are performed in the U.S. each year.
The majority of corneal transplants are recommended
because of a cloudy or irregular cornea unamenable to improvement
with medical therapy or contact lenses. Corneal transplants are
done to improve vision, relieve pain, and protect the inner structures
of the eye. The most frequent eye conditions requiring corneal transplantation
include: keratoconus, Fuchs corneal dystrophy, and corneal scarring
from trauma or infection (corneal ulcers, Herpes). Replacing the
damaged cornea with clear, healthy donor tissue can restore impaired
vision.
As the front window of eye, the cornea is vulnerable
to injury and irritation. In addition to trauma and foreign bodies
to the eye, corneal abrasion and erosion can be painful, make the
eye more sensitive to light and vision uncomfortable. The corneal
surface usually heals within several days and can be treated by
patching, ointment and antibiotic drops. Additional tear lubrication
is also helpful. Consult with an Eye Surgical Associate physician
regarding any questions or concerns about your eyes.
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