Older corneas good for transplant

Washington, Apr 2 (UNI) Older people's corneas are as good for transplant as those of the younger lot, a new study suggests.

Assuming the fact that younger organs and tissues are considered more coveted, the study promises to expand the age of cornea donation to 65.

Researchers found the corneas of both younger or older tissue to survive just as well five years later.

''We now have scientific evidence showing older donors can be used reliably in corneal transplantation,'' Washington Post quoted Dr Edward Holland of the University of Cincinnati as saying.

Cornea is a clear covering for the front of the eye, crucial for helping it focus light.

Transplant surgeons decide how old a cornea they'll accept.

Although age isn't the most important factor, donors must be in good health, free of various infections and the corneas must contain enough of endothelial cells that balance fluid to keep the cornea clear, not cloudy.

''There was a bias against older tissue but now it will change the view,'' said co-author Jonathan Lass of University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland.

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