The gift of eye tissue donation is a powerful act that can restore vision and transform lives
In Western Australia, the Lions Eye Institute plays a pivotal role in managing the state’s only eye tissue bank – the Lions Eye Bank of Western Australia. This service is vital for the identification, retrieval, processing, testing, and distribution of human eye tissue used for corneal transplants and medical research.
What is eye tissue donation?
Eye tissue donation involves the donation of corneal and scleral tissue after a person passes away. The cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, and the sclera, the white portion surrounding the cornea, are the main parts of the eye that can be transplanted.
Eye tissue donations can change the lives of patients suffering from vision impairments caused by conditions like keratoconus, corneal scarring, glaucoma and trauma. Remarkably, one donated eye can help restore vision for as many as seven people through various uses of the tissue as well as contribute to sight-saving research.
The Lions Eye Bank of Western Australia, established in 1986 by the Lions Save Sight Foundation, is a member of the Eye Bank Association of Australia and New Zealand (EBAANZ), and serves not only Western Australia but also other member banks to meet demand. Additionally, the Lions Eye Bank is supporting Indonesia in establishing its first hospital retrieval program to help improve access to donated corneas in the region.
The importance of corneal transplants
Keratoconus causes the cornea to bulge into a cone shape
Corneal transplants are a life-changing procedure for patients with damaged corneas. Whether due to injury, infection, or conditions such as keratoconus, the cornea may become distorted, clouded, or scarred, leading to vision impairment. The only way to restore sight for these patients is through a donated cornea.
In Australia, approximately 2,500 corneal transplants are performed annually, with over 500 of these surgeries relying on donated corneas from the Lions Eye Bank service. Thanks to advances in surgical techniques, corneal transplants have become more precise, leading to better outcomes for patients. In some cases, surgeons can now replace only the affected portion of the cornea, rather than the entire cornea, which helps to preserve healthy tissue and reduces recovery times.
Innovations in corneal transplant surgery
Corneal surgery has come a long way, and modern techniques offer more options for patients with keratoconus, a condition where the cornea degenerates into a conical shape, causing blurred and distorted vision.
In early stages, keratoconus can be managed with glasses or contact lenses. However, when these no longer work, surgical interventions become necessary.
New procedures, such as corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segments (CAIRS), are now being used to treat keratoconus patients. CAIRS involves the use of donor corneal tissue to implant custom-shaped ring segments into the patient’s cornea. This method not only improves the shape of the cornea but also offers several benefits over traditional plastic implants, including better biocompatibility, stability, and a lower risk of complications like extrusion (where the implant
moves out of place).
CAIRS provides more options for patients, including those with severe keratoconus or thinner corneas who may not be suitable candidates for traditional ring segments. It also allows for greater customisation, as surgeons can tailor the implants to the specific needs of each patient. Lions Eye Bank of Western Australia is the first eye bank in Australasia to provide especially prepared eye tissue to ophthalmologists who perform CAIRS surgery. Previously, ophthalmologists had to prepare the eye tissue themselves.
Eye donation
Whether through corneal transplants or advanced surgical techniques like CAIRS, the impact of donated eye tissue cannot be overstated. By choosing to register as a donor, you can give the gift of sight, ensuring that people around you have access to the life-changing surgeries they need to regain their vision.
If you’re considering eye donation, you can source information through:
• DonateLife WA, who coordinates all organ and tissue donor activities across Western Australia. For more information visit www.donatelife.gov.au.
• Australian Organ Donor Registration. You can register as an eye tissue donor and record your consent by phoning 1800 777 203.
• Information and registration forms available from Medicare offices or at medicareaustralia.gov.au.
