Cornea Recipient Grateful for Sight-Renewing Transplants

Janice has had cornea transplants in both of her eyes. Prior to her transplant surgeries, things that were commonplace became labored and difficult. She could not read small print and could not see signs. Lights had halos around them. Her glasses were so thick that she was told that she needed to see an ophthalmologist because there were no glasses with strong enough prescription that could correct her vision.

Janice was referred to Dr. Gregg Berdy and was diagnosed with Fuchs Dystrophy in August of 2006 and had her first transplant. Her doctor placed 32 stitches around the cornea and she still has 16 stitches to date.

In August of 2007, she had her second transplant. Dr. Berdy explained to her that there was a new procedure that required no stitches. The new Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty, or DSAEK, differed from the traditional corneal transplant surgery technique in that only a thin section of endothelial cells from the donor cornea are transplanted, rather than the full thickness of the donor cornea. With DSAEK the healing time and success rate are greatly improved. Her second transplant consisted of two separate surgeries, the first to remove the cataracts and the second to receive the actual transplant.

"I went through this before, so this was going to be a piece of cake!" said Janice.

With the second transplant, Janice was only given a mild sedative and was awake through the procedure. "I was still talking on the operating table, until the doctor told me to be very still and quite. I do talk a lot, even on the operating table!" said Janice.

Janice was at peace with the decision to have the life changing transplants and knew that she was guided to make the decision. She is extremely grateful to her donors and the Heartland Lions Eye Bank. Janice sent letters to the families of the donors expressing how thankful she was for their loved ones selfless gifts.

MO Passes First Person Consent Bill for Organ & Tissue Donation

On Friday, July 11, Governor Matt Blunt signed legislation to make it easier for Missourians to become eye, organ and tissue donors. Senate Bill 1139 has established first person consent for Missouri's organ and tissue donor registry. This means that any eligible Missourian who agrees to join the registry has given full consent for organ and tissue donation.

The Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation and Heartland Lions Eye Banks have stood in support of this new first person consent legislation as it will aid in ensuring that an individual's wish to be a donor is carried out. To add your name to Missouri's state donor registry visit www.missouriorgandonor.com or contact HLEB at 1-800-283-1982 ext. 115 to receive mail-in enrollments.

MLERF Program Statistics

Here are our vision program statistics from 7/1/07-6/30/08.