We Pursue Eye Research
Current Studies
Cornea Donor Study
Background: Surgeons have generally assumed that it is best to give a cornea transplant recipient a donor cornea that is of similar age or younger. However, the supply of young organ donors is limited.
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to find out whether a cornea transplant will last just as long if the donor was older than 65 years, compared with using younger donor tissue.
Participation: This multi-center study, sponsored by the National Institute of Health (NIH), began in 2000. We are following the patients for 10 years.
Impact: The overall graft health and survival rate was similar for the younger and older donor groups at 5 years. This has increased the use of older donor corneas, which has helped expand the limited supply of corneal tissue.
