Dr. Vincent Performs First Corneal Transplant in Ruston at NLMC

Jared M. Vincent, M.D. of Ruston Eye & Laser Institute performed the first corneal transplant in Ruston on July 29th. It was also the first corneal transplant performed at Northern Louisiana Medical Center (NLMC), formerly Lincoln General Hospital.

“I feel privileged to be able to perform this much needed procedure in Ruston. Prior to now, I have had to take patients to West Monroe to perform their transplants. But NLMC, Doug Sills (CEO) and the surgery staff have worked very hard to make this happen,” states Dr. Vincent.

Dr. Vincent states that the patient who received the transplant is essentially debilitated by her corneal condition, rendering her legally blind. “She underwent a corneal transplant about 10 years ago in that eye, which has failed due to rejection. Hopefully, after this new transplant, she can regain enough vision to become more independent,” Dr. Vincent said.

Corneal transplantation is often a last resort for patients with various corneal diseases. It is one of the most successfully transplanted solid organs, with a success rate approaching 90% for this procedure. It involves removing the diseased corneal tissue and replacing it with a donated cornea. The donor cornea is kept at the eye bank and can be stored for up to two weeks without damage.

“It is vital that people continue to be tissue and organ donors,” states Dr. Vincent. “Without donors, we would not be able to offer the hope of regaining vision to so many people.”

Dr. Vincent states that this is the first step in performing more advanced surgical techniques in Ruston, including partial-thickness corneal transplants as well as more advanced glaucoma surgical procedures. “I really don’t see any limits on what we can accomplish in Ruston when it comes to state-of-the-art eye care and I am happy that NLMC is committed to the same goals.”