"This web site is dedicated to all those individuals who have given the Gift of Life and the Gift of Sight"
THE CORNEA
"Who would believe that so small a space could contain the images of all the universe" Leonardo da Vinci
A sunset over Long Island waters, spring in full bloom, sunshine and snow, a baby's smile...beauty is all around for those who can see.
Too often we take this wonderful ability to see our beautiful surroundings for granted until something goes wrong. Now, help for Long Island and New York residents who are blind or who are visually impaired is available through a local regional resource--THE LIONS EYE BANK FOR LONG ISLAND at North Shore University Hospital. The miracle of sight can be restored to those who can’t see—with your help.
Will you share what you see? It has been estimated that over 30,000 Americans could have improved or fully restored vision each year through corneal transplantation, if there were enough donor eye tissue for the procedure. The only substitute for one human cornea is another. Become an eye donor and give the gift of sight!
While making the decision to donate your eyes in the future, many questions may arise. Here are some answers and information that will ease your decision.
How is eye tissue used? Corneal transplantation is our priority. Approximately 10% of all totally blind persons, and many with limited vision, could have their sight restored with this delicate but highly successful operation. All other tissue is of great value in research and in the training of physicians. All donated eyes are vital and valuable resources.
What is a corneal transplant? A transplant involves replacing a cloudy cornea with a clear one from a donor eye. A cloudy cornea may occur at any age. The cornea is the size of a dime and covers the pupil of the eye, similar to a watch crystal that protects the clock face. If the cornea becomes cloudy due to injury or disease, a clear image cannot be focused on the back of the eye, and blindness or near blindness results.
Can all eyes be used for corneal transplants? The vast majority can. Those few exceptions are determined prior to obtaining consent. When a cornea cannot be used for patients it most often can be used for education or research.
How else may donated eye tissue be used? Other portions of the eye can be used in various procedures. Sclera - the white of the eye - can be used in cosmetic surgery, lid repair and in periodontal surgery for the repair of gum tissue. In this region the sclera is used by a local otologist to construct ear canals. Thus, one eye can give the gifts of sight and hearing to those who need them.
How soon should eyes be removed and when must they be used for surgery?
Eyes should be removed as soon as possible, preferably within two to six hours after death. Time is always critical. Eyes for corneal transplants are usually used within five days after removal. There is no disfigurement to the deceased after the donated eye tissue is removed.
How does the Lions Eye Bank for Long Island work? The Eye Bank coordinates all activities between persons donating their eyes after death and those needing corneal transplants. The mission is to ease the care of local patients.
Can the next of kin donate the eyes of a deceased relative? Yes. The signing of a simple, readily available consent form is all that is necessary.
It is important that you discuss your wishes about donation with your family.
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Anatomy of the Eye
anterior chamber - the front section of the eye's interior where aqueous humor flows in and out of providing nourishment to the eye and surrounding tissues. blood vessels - tubes that carry blood. choroid - the thin, blood-rich membrane that covers the white of the eyeball; responsible for supplying blood to the retina. ciliary body - the part of the eye that produces aqueous humor. cornea - the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. hyaloid canal - narrow passageway that allows blood to flow through the eye. iris - the colored part of the eye. The iris is partly responsible for regulating the amount of light permitted to enter the eye. lens (also called crystalline lens) - the transparent structure inside the eye that focuses light rays onto the retina. macula - the portion of the eye that allows us to see fine details clearly. optic nerve - a bundle of more than 1 million nerve fibers that connects the retina with the brain. The optic nerve is responsible for interpreting the impulses it receives into images. posterior chamber - the back section of the eye's interior. pupil - the dark center in the middle of the iris through which light passes to the back of the eye. retina - the light-sensitive nerve layer that lines the back of the eye. The retina senses light and creates impulses that are sent through the optic nerve to the brain. sclera - the white visible portion of the eyeball. The muscles that move the eyeball are attached to the sclera. suspensory ligament of lens - a series of fibers that connect the ciliary body of the eye with the lens, holding it in place. vitreous body - a clear, jelly-like substance that fills the center of the eye. |
Copyright © 1999 North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System
the eye bank at:
webmaster@lebli.org
Copyright © 1999
by Lions Eye Bank for Long Island. All rights reserved.
Revised:
10 May 2008 01:14 PM
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Authored by Stephen G. Knapik, R.N., B.S., CPTC, CEBT
photo, captree.jpg taken by Stephen G. Knapik
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