The cornea is the clear covering of the front of the eye which bends (refracts) light rays as they enter the eye. For clear vision to occur, the cornea must have the correct shape and power to focus incoming light rays and precisely on the retina at the back of the eye. When the cornea loses its transparency, whether from injury, infection or disease, transplantation may be recommended to replace it.
Corneal transplants are usually performed with local anesthesia so there is little pain. During the procedure, the cornea is replaced with one from a human donor. The new cornea carries little risk of rejection and can last for many years.
As a fellowship trained cornea specialist, Dr. Iuorno specializes in cornea transplantation. There are several types of cornea transplantation; Penetrating keratoplasty (Full thickness), Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (partial thickness) and Deep lamellar anterior keratoplasty (Partial thickness).
Hear Dr. Iuorno talk about who is a candidate for inner layer cornea transplant surgery and what to expect after surgery.
