A Cornea Transplant Changes a Life

Kayla Corbett is a Tag Office Supervisor at the Sedgwick County Auto Licensing department in Wichita, Kansas. She shares her story about how a cornea transplant changed her life.

She started to notice a change in her vision when she was in college. Kayla Corbett was 25 when she was diagnosed with keratoconus in her right eye. Her doctor said she may one day need a cornea transplant.

“At that time, I thought it’s not that bad,” said Kayla. “I’ll never have to worry about a transplant or anything.”

Kayla knew she had a progressive disease, and her vision would decline with time. She experienced continual headaches at her job in a school district. Eye strain was caused by reading to students during the day.

Twenty-five years later and it was 2018. Kayla’s vision had decreased to the point where she was legally blind in the right eye. She thought she would be too old to have a cornea transplant but found hope in the conversation with her doctor at the time of her diagnosis. He had assured Kayla that her age would not matter when it was time for the transplant.

A range of emotions

She was terrified when it was time for the surgery. Kayla traveled several hours across Kansas to her doctor in Overland Park. She found herself more relaxed for the procedure once she was settled in and encouraged by the medical staff. Within an hour the procedure was complete. Her recovery would take less than a week.

The transplant was life changing for Kayla. She was thrilled with the results of her cornea transplant. “I noticed the changes right away. It was spring and everything was so bright and green.”

Her life improved in many ways after the cornea transplant. Spending time with her family was at the top of Kayla’s list of treasured activities. A much-loved hobby of photographing old barns and buildings in black and white also became more focused. “I was able to take a photo of a certain part of the barn with all the details rather than a shot of the entire building.”

Grateful beyond words

Kayla hasn’t connected with her donor hero and said, “I like the word hero because I have a hero that I can’t thank enough. Every day I thank them because I can see. I can play catch with my nieces and nephews. I can go to places I couldn’t before. I can see and that is great.”

Becoming a stronger person throughout this process seems natural for Kayla. She has great pride in her work and said, “I couldn’t do this job without having had the surgery.”

A new mission

Kayla was familiar with the positive impact of tissue donation after her nephew experienced skin burns. “He received skin grafts that helped him heal more quickly.”

During our interview Kayla shared her experience with much enthusiasm. “I share my story whenever I can. When Jessica from MTN in Kansas City comes to our office people are always asking questions. I can say that I’m here at this job because of a generous donor hero.”