New Transplant Procedure Proves Succesful for Recipient
After years of suffering from vision loss, Decatur, Ill., native Betty Bollhorst became one of the first people in the central Illinois area to receive a new ground-breaking type of corneal transplant surgery in February 2005.

Bollhorst, 67, had cataract surgery several years ago. However, after the removal of her clouded lenses vision problems continued to persist. She learned that she was suffering from a vision condition called Fuchs’ dystrophy that causes endothelial cells at the back surface of the eye to deteriorate. Without these cells present to pump out excess fluid from the cornea, the clear outer window of her eye became clouded with fluid buildup.

Bollhorst poses with her artwork.

Bollhorst’s surgery, conducted by Dr. James Lee at the Springfield Clinic Eye Institute, used a new surgical technique called Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty, or DSAEK. In this type of procedure, a thin section of the cornea is removed and transplanted with donor tissue, rather than the entire cornea. Experts in the field agree that DSAEK surgery can be especially favorable compared to traditional transplant surgery for patients suffering from Fuchs’ dystrophy, like Bollhorst.

Today, according to Bollhorst, “Everything is bright and clear,” since her surgery. She has 20/25 vision in her left eye and 20/50 vision in her right eye. The successful transplant surgery has also helped Bollhorst to continue one of her favorite hobbies- painting ceramic figurines for her own homegrown business, Bollhorst Ceramics.

“Everything was blurry and fuzzy- it made things slow going,” explained Bollhorst. But today, with a little help from a magnifying glass and prescription eyeglasses, she can paint the finest of details on her works of art.

Bollhorst has also shared the story of her transplant with others, talking openly about her experience, stating that “I am very excited about the partial transplant.”

September Race Sponsor to Bring Fun and Function to Run Course
As the winner of the USA Triathlon Halfmax National Championship crosses the finish line on September 16th, they will be lead by the new all-terrain Segway x2 personal transportation vehicle.  The vehicle will be provided courtesy of race sponsor, Segway of Missouri.  We encourage you to stop by to check out these incredible vehicles at the race!  For more information on the upcoming race or to volunteer, please visit www.ultramaxtri.com/volunteer.php.

Upcoming Events
September 16
USAT Halfmax Triathlon Championship at Innsbrook Resort (west of St. Louis). For more information or to volunteer please sign up online or contact Shandra Chapman.

September 23
Sight Committee Meeting, 10 a.m., at the Missouri Lions Eye Research Foundation's Library, 404 Portland St., Columbia, MO. For more information please contact Annie Kuhl.

Looking for more detailed information on our upcoming amblyopia and glaucoma screenings? Visit our screening calendar online.

HLEB Joins Vision Share
The Heartland Lions Eye Bank is pleased to announce a new partnership with Vision Share, a non-for-profit consortium of accredited U.S. eye banks. In late August, HLEB became a Vision Share member eye bank, joining the ranks of some of the nation’s largest eye banking organizations. Currently, Vision Share has 17 member eye banks.

Vision Share allows its member eye banks to work together to maximize the distribution of their corneal tissue to corneal surgeons for transplant. The organization can also help place tissue with vision researchers. Additionally, the Vision Share eye bank community is an ideal arena to discuss, provide and share information on new trends and techniques in eye banking and corneal transplant surgery.

The Eye Bank looks forward to the benefits of its new membership. In working together with Vision Share, we hope to extend the reach of our eye banking services and share in a community that offers a wealth of knowledge about our field. For more information on Vision Share, visit www.visionshare.org.