Coroner Education Module | Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank

How is the cornea different from other tissues such as bone or skin?*

The cornea is round and somewhat colorless where other tissues in the body are not round and have color.

Corneas are living tissue, like organs. Corneas are not processed or frozen.

Corneas must be recovered immediately after death.

Corneas change to the color of the original iris of the donor once the cornea is placed on the recipient’s eye.

What impact does post-autopsy release have on the viability of corneas?*

There is no impact.

As long as the corneas are recovered within three hours post autopsy, it’s ok.

If the autopsy takes place at Rocky Mountain Lions Eye Bank, the corneas will be viable.

Time is the worst enemy of corneal tissue. The longer the time between death and recovery/preservation, the less likely they are to be transplanted. Corneas should be recovered as early as possible for optimal viability.

The eye bank will assist the Coroner by

Checking for any abnormalities, collect and provide vitreous fluid, testify in court if needed.

Provide the complete medical record.

Decide which funeral home the decedent needs to go to.

Make local law enforcement agencies aware of an eye bank recovery happening in their county.

Coroner Quiz

Take the following quiz to obtain a certificate of completion.