Accidents, diseases, and other conditions can result in the loss of a body part. Often, when someone loses a limb or an organ, they receive a prosthetic or an implant.
While the entire eye cannot be replaced, certain parts can be substituted thanks to advancements in medical technology. One such part is the cornea.
You might wonder, is this possible? Where do these corneas come from? How do they function?
Dr. Nziyomaze Elie, an ophthalmologist at Kabgayi Eye Hospital, provides answers.
He explains that corneal transplantation is a type of eye surgery performed for various reasons.
The corneas used in these transplants come from other people.
“A cornea from another person is implanted. Just as someone might receive a kidney or a liver transplant, corneas are donated by individuals who have consented to donate their corneas after death,” he says.
Dr. Nziyomaze emphasizes the importance of developing a culture of organ donation in Rwanda, including the donation of corneas.
He explained “Currently, the corneas we use are imported from other countries, which is costly and limited in availability. It would be beneficial if Rwandans could develop the practice of consenting to donate their corneas before passing away, so they can help those in need.”
Why is the cornea so crucial to the eye?
Dr. Nziyomaze clarifies that the black spot we see in the eye is not the cornea; rather, it is the iris, which lies behind the cornea.
The cornea itself is a transparent layer through which light enters the eye. “The cornea allows light to pass through, directing it to the retina, which then forms an image,” he explains.
Behind the cornea is the iris, and further back is the lens, another critical component of the eye. Unlike the cornea, the lens can be replaced with a manufactured implant.
