NOV 06, 2017
What’s the Issue with Donor Tissue? Transmission of Disease
Cornea Subspecialty Day 2016
Cornea/External Disease
Dr. Maria Woodward discusses the risk of disease transmission from donor to a patient with corneal transplantation. Every year, the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) compiles information about tissues that are prepared for surgery. More than a third of donor tissues are deemed unsuitable for transplantation, primarily due to the risk of disease transmission. Although the risk of transmission is small, it is not zero, and Dr. Woodward vital role of corneal surgeons and eye banking leaders both play a vital role in setting appropriate policies and high tissue standards.