Know More about Organ Donation - Corneal Transplant

What is corneal transplant?

Cornea is a transparent layer on the eyeball surface. Scarring of the cornea from injury or disease will result in opacity and blindness. Transplantation with a healthy cornea can help to restore vision.

Corneal transplant is the most frequently performed tissue transplant in Hong Kong. It carries a high success rate because there are very few instances of rejection.

The first successful corneal transplant in Hong Kong was performed in 1961.

Indications for corneal transplant

• Degeneration, such as bullous keratopathy
• Microbial infection, such as fungal infection
• Trauma, such as chemical burns
• Dystrophy, such as keratoconus

Criteria for deceased cornea donor

• Aged below 80
• Meet the general criteria for deceased organ / tissue donation
• Most cancers are acceptable
• Most ideal within 24 hours after death
• No history of corneal trauma or disease
• Corneas from individuals with short-sightedness, long-sightedness, or prior corneal refractive surgery (e.g., LASIK or SMILE) can be donated