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Indications/Exclusions
Cornea Transplantation

Indications for Transplant
The cornea is the clear front window of the eye that covers the colored iris and the round pupil. The cornea is about the size of a dime. Light passes through the cornea and as it passes through, is focused so we can see. To stay clear, the cornea must be healthy. If a cornea is damaged, it may become swollen or scarred and lose its smoothness and clarity. When the cornea is scarred, swollen, or distorted into an irregular shape, light no longer passes through the cornea well, so a blurred image forms in your eye.

Conditions that may require corneal transplantations include:

• Corneal failure after other eye surgery, such as cataract surgery
• Keratoconus, a steep curving of the cornea
• Hereditary corneal failure, such as Fuchs’ dystrophy
• Scarring after infections, especially after herpes
• Rejection after a first corneal transplantation
• Scarring after injury

Excluding Reasons
Excluding reasons for corneal transplantation are rare and would be determined on an individual basis.

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Cornea Transplantation