Program Highlights
Corneal transplants at Cleveland Clinic were initiated in 1970. Our staff also has experience dating to 2005 with implantation of the Boston Keratoprosthesis as a mode of restoring vision in patients with end-stage corneal disease or a history of multiple prior graft failures.
Cleveland Clinic is recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care.
What is corneal transplantation?
The cornea is the central part of the front of the eye through which we see. Normally, the cornea is smooth and clear. However, injury, disease or certain medical conditions can make it cloudy or difficult to see through. Sometimes this problem can be fixed by removing some or all of the cornea and replacing it with corneal tissue from an organ donor. This operation is called corneal transplantation.
About 46,000 corneal transplantations are performed in the United States every year, according to the Eye Bank Association of America.
Is it safe to receive donated corneal tissue?
Yes. The medical history of every organ donor is reviewed carefully, and blood tests are performed to check for infections prior to corneal transplantation. If there is any doubt about the safety of corneal transplantation, the donated tissues are used for medical research instead of being transplanted into a patient's eye.
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Or call us locally at 216.444.2020 or toll-free 800.223.2273 ext. 42020 to schedule an appointment with a Cole Eye Institute ophthalmologist.
