Eye Foundation America Corneal Transplants in the Covid-19 Era 'GOUTAMI EYE INSTITUTE YOURSELF www.eyefoundationofamerica.org www.goutami.org in collaboration with GAPIO Rotary Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin What is the cornea? The cornea is the clear dome of tissue on the front surface of the eye. It bends incoming light, focusing images on the retina. The cornea is very strong but can be injured or diseased, leading to scar formation and vision loss. The white spot on the cornea to the left is an ulcer. Ulcers are very painful and most commonly caused by abusing or sleeping in contact lenses. Always remove your contact lenses before bed! The Herpes Simplex Virus (known as the 'Cold Sore virus') can cause corneal ulcers like these. The image to the right shows a large corneal scar and blood vessel growth due to a chemical burn injury. A healthy cornea is crystal clear and does not have any blood vessels. What is a corneal transplant? Donor cornea in place The central portion of the damaged cornea is removed and is replaced with donor tissue. Damaged Small sutures (shown in the graphic to the right) hold the tissue in place while the graft heals. Come However, modern advances have paved the way for corneal transplants without sutures! Donor tissue is screened by special facilities called 'eye banks' located across the globe. Over 40,000 corneal transplants are performed annually. Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, corneal transplant surgeries, along with many other elective procedures, have been delayed. Sutures removed DID YOU The first eye bank was founded in New York City in 1944 via the works of Dr. Townley Paton and Mrs. Aida Breckinridge. Five former First Ladies also joined the cause. This year marks the 75th KNOW... anniversary of the first eye bank; celebrations were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 800,000 preventable eye injuries occur every year. ISTHE KEY Wear proper eye protection (this can prevent up to 90% of injuries) Avoid overusing or abusing your contact lenses. Wash your hands before touching your eyes or face. If you get something in your eyes, rinse with cool, clean water or saline for at least 15 minutes and seek medical PREVENION attention for additional treatment. Eye Foundation America Corneal Transplants in the Covid-19 Era 'GOUTAMI EYE INSTITUTE YOURSELF www.eyefoundationofamerica.org www.goutami.org in collaboration with GAPIO Rotary Global Association of Physicians of Indian Origin What is the cornea? The cornea is the clear dome of tissue on the front surface of the eye. It bends incoming light, focusing images on the retina. The cornea is very strong but can be injured or diseased, leading to scar formation and vision loss. The white spot on the cornea to the left is an ulcer. Ulcers are very painful and most commonly caused by abusing or sleeping in contact lenses. Always remove your contact lenses before bed! The Herpes Simplex Virus (known as the 'Cold Sore virus') can cause corneal ulcers like these. The image to the right shows a large corneal scar and blood vessel growth due to a chemical burn injury. A healthy cornea is crystal clear and does not have any blood vessels. What is a corneal transplant? Donor cornea in place The central portion of the damaged cornea is removed and is replaced with donor tissue. Damaged Small sutures (shown in the graphic to the right) hold the tissue in place while the graft heals. Come However, modern advances have paved the way for corneal transplants without sutures! Donor tissue is screened by special facilities called 'eye banks' located across the globe. Over 40,000 corneal transplants are performed annually. Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, corneal transplant surgeries, along with many other elective procedures, have been delayed. Sutures removed DID YOU The first eye bank was founded in New York City in 1944 via the works of Dr. Townley Paton and Mrs. Aida Breckinridge. Five former First Ladies also joined the cause. This year marks the 75th KNOW... anniversary of the first eye bank; celebrations were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 800,000 preventable eye injuries occur every year. ISTHE KEY Wear proper eye protection (this can prevent up to 90% of injuries) Avoid overusing or abusing your contact lenses. Wash your hands before touching your eyes or face. If you get something in your eyes, rinse with cool, clean water or saline for at least 15 minutes and seek medical PREVENION attention for additional treatment.