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Eye Donor Appreciation Week

Learn about the importance of being an Eye Donor

Corneal transplantation is when the patient’s natural cornea is removed and replaced with a donor cornea from an organ donor. The first corneal transplant was performed in 1905 by Eduard Zirm in the Czech Republic. Incredible advances in corneal transplantation have taken place since that time. We can now selectively replace certain layers in the cornea, so that vision recovers faster. We also may use fewer stitches in corneal transplantation, so that large amounts of astigmatism may be avoided.

Instrumental in the success of corneal transplants were the establishment of EYE BANKS. These are organizations located throughout the world to coordinate the distribution of donated corneas to surgeons, as well as providing eyes for research. Dr. Cottle currently uses the Lone Star Lions Eye Bank in Manor, Texas, for all of her corneal transplantation. They have a very informative website at www.lsleb.org. If you are not currently an organ donor, check out www.DonateLifeTexas.com to get more information about making a decision to become an eye, organ and tissue donor today. Being an eye donor is giving an amazing gift of sight!