Corneal Transplantation and Donation in Grand Rapids, Michigan

If the cornea becomes cloudy from disease, injury, or infection, vision can be dramatically reduced or lost. A corneal transplant is a surgical procedure that replaces a disc-shaped segment of an unhealthy cornea with a similarly shaped piece of healthy donor cornea from another person.

In Grand Rapids and throughout West Michigan, corneal transplantation is commonly performed by ophthalmologists at major health systems such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and affiliated eye clinics.

What Is a Corneal Transplant?

A corneal transplant (also called a corneal graft or keratoplasty) uses human donor tissue to restore clarity to the front “window” of the eye. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped surface that helps focus light so you can see clearly.

Only human donor corneas can be used for this surgery. Donor corneas are provided by accredited eye banks, which carefully screen and prepare tissue for safe transplantation.

Conditions That May Require a Corneal Transplant

Several eye diseases and injuries can damage the cornea enough to require a transplant. Common reasons include:

  • Corneal dystrophies

    • Fuchs’ dystrophy (the most common): the inner layer of the cornea fails, causing swelling and clouding that leads to progressive vision loss. This is frequently seen in older adults, including many in the Grand Rapids area.
    • Lattice dystrophy
    • Granular dystrophy
    • Keratoconus – a condition where the central cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, causing distorted and blurred vision.

  • Bullous keratopathy
    A condition in which the cornea becomes permanently swollen, often after previous eye surgery such as cataract removal.

  • Severe bacterial or viral infections

    • Corneal ulcers and infections that leave scarring
    • Herpes virus infection of the eye (herpes simplex keratitis)

  • Corneal scarring due to trauma
    Eye injuries from accidents, sports, or workplace hazards. In West Michigan, eye injuries can occur in manufacturing, construction, and outdoor activities common around the Grand Rapids area.

  • Hereditary or congenital corneal clouding
    Conditions present from birth that prevent the cornea from being clear.

When conservative treatments (medications, contact lenses, or minor procedures) are no longer effective, an ophthalmologist may recommend a corneal transplant to improve vision.

How Successful Are Corneal Transplants?

Corneal transplantation is one of the most successful types of tissue transplantation in medicine.

According to data similar to that reported by the American Corneal Graft Registry:

  • The average one-year transplant survival rate is about 90%
  • The five-year survival rate is around 75%, depending on the underlying condition and overall eye health

In Grand Rapids, corneal transplant patients are typically followed closely by local ophthalmologists and cornea specialists, with regular checkups to monitor healing and prevent rejection.

Why Corneal Transplants Work Well

  • The cornea has no blood vessels, which lowers the risk of immune rejection compared with solid organ transplants.
  • Age, blood type, and eye color are usually not important in determining donor suitability.
  • Donor eyesight (whether the person wore glasses or had poor vision) does not affect the ability of the cornea to restore vision.

Who Can Donate Corneas?

Almost anyone can be considered a cornea donor at the time of death. Corneal donation is separate from whole-organ donation and has its own criteria.

People Who Usually Can Donate

  • Most adults, including older adults
  • People with common medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of wearing glasses or contacts
  • People who die in a hospital, at home, or in long-term care, as long as the corneas are retrieved within the necessary time window

Who Cannot Donate Corneas

For safety reasons, certain conditions prevent corneal donation, including:

  • Severe, active systemic infections at the time of death
  • Certain blood cancers (hematologic malignancies)
  • Known transmissible neurological diseases (such as Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease)
  • Serious communicable diseases such as HIV or active hepatitis B or C
  • Other conditions identified by eye bank medical standards

Previous eye surgery does not automatically rule someone out. Suitability is assessed by the eye bank at the time of donation.

The Cornea Donation Process in Grand Rapids

In Michigan, cornea donation is coordinated through regional eye banks and organ procurement organizations that serve hospitals in Grand Rapids and across West Michigan.

How Donation Works

  1. Register as a donor

    • Sign up through the Michigan Organ Donor Registry (often done when you get or renew your driver’s license or state ID).
    • You can also register online through Donate Life Michigan or the American Organ Donor Registry.

  2. Tell your family

    • It is crucial to tell your next of kin about your wishes. At the time of death, family members are often asked to confirm donation decisions.

  3. Notification of the eye bank

    • When a registered donor dies and meets preliminary criteria, the local eye bank is notified. This often happens at hospitals like Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital, or other facilities in the metro area.

  4. Evaluation and retrieval

    • Trained specialists evaluate medical history and perform tests to ensure the corneas are safe for transplant.
    • The corneas are usually retrieved within hours of death, with great care and respect for the donor and family.

  5. Use of donated tissue

    • If the corneas meet all standards, they are used for transplant surgery.
    • If the corneas are not suitable for transplant, and consent was given, the eyes may be used for research and training, helping improve future care.

Living in Grand Rapids: Local Factors That Affect Eye Health

Grand Rapids residents experience distinct Michigan seasons, which can impact eye health:

  • Cold, dry winters can lead to dry eye symptoms, irritation, and increased risk of eye surface problems, especially when combined with indoor heating.
  • Wind, snow glare, and bright sun on Lake Michigan and inland lakes can strain the eyes and increase UV exposure.
  • Allergy seasons in spring and fall can trigger itchy, red eyes, which may worsen underlying corneal issues.

Regular eye exams with a local optometrist or ophthalmologist are especially important if you:

  • Have a family history of corneal disease (like Fuchs’ dystrophy or keratoconus)
  • Have had previous eye surgery or trauma
  • Experience persistent blurred or distorted vision, glare, or sensitivity to light

Corneal Transplant Surgery: What to Expect

While details vary by patient and surgeon, corneal transplant surgery in Grand Rapids generally follows these steps:

  1. Pre-surgical evaluation

    • Comprehensive eye exam and measurements
    • Discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives
    • Review of medications and overall health

  2. Day of surgery

    • Usually done as an outpatient procedure at a hospital or surgical center (for example, at Corewell Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids).
    • Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia may be used.
    • The surgeon removes the damaged central portion of your cornea and replaces it with the donor cornea, securing it with very fine sutures.

  3. Recovery

    • You will use prescription eye drops (antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications) for several months.
    • Vision improves gradually over weeks to months.
    • You will have regular follow-up visits with your ophthalmologist to monitor healing and watch for signs of rejection.

  4. Long-term care

    • Many patients need updated glasses or contact lenses after healing.
    • Some may eventually need suture removal or minor additional procedures to refine vision.

Corneal Transplant Success and Rejection

Even though corneal transplant success rates are high, there is still a risk of graft rejection. Warning signs include:

  • Redness
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Decreased or blurred vision
  • Eye pain

If you notice any of these symptoms after a corneal transplant, contact your Grand Rapids eye specialist immediately. Early treatment often reverses rejection and preserves the graft.

Local Resources for Corneal Transplant and Donation in Grand Rapids

If you live in the Grand Rapids, MI area and have questions about corneal transplantation or donation, the following resources can help:

  • Your primary care provider (GP/family doctor) – often your first contact for referrals

  • Optometrists in Grand Rapids – for routine eye exams and early detection of corneal disease

  • Ophthalmologists (eye specialists) – especially cornea specialists at:

    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health) ophthalmology clinics
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids eye care services
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health eye clinics
    • Private ophthalmology practices throughout Kent County

  • Kent County Health Department & Grand Rapids Public Health

    • General public health information and support services
    • Vision resources for underserved populations

  • Michigan Organ Donor Registry / Donate Life Michigan

    • To register as an organ and tissue donor, including corneas

  • National resources

    • American Organ Donor Registry
    • Eye Bank Association of America (for information about eye donation and transplantation)

Considering Corneal Transplantation or Donation in Grand Rapids

For patients with advanced corneal disease, a corneal transplant can restore independence, improve safety (especially when driving in Michigan’s challenging winter conditions), and significantly enhance quality of life.

For donors and their families, cornea donation is a powerful way to help others in your own community. A single donor can restore sight to more than one person in West Michigan and beyond.

If you are experiencing vision changes or have been told you might need a corneal transplant, schedule an appointment with an ophthalmologist in Grand Rapids to discuss your options. If you are interested in donation, register as a donor and share your wishes with your loved ones.