Abstract
In this paper the author examines and explains all aspects of keratoconus, a disease of the cornea. The paper starts with a brief description of what keratoconus is and how and why it was named. The author then proceeds to discuss the causes of the disease and how it can be detected and at what stages it can be treated. The author points out that the disease is often associated with subjects who have had quite a number of spectacle prescriptions in a short amount of time but there are also hereditary implications. The paper concludes that with the advances in modern medicine and laser treatment, it is becoming easier to treat the disease.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Causes
Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Slit-Lamp Detection
Fleischer's Ring
Lines of Vogt
Corneal Thinning
Corneal Scarring
Swirl Staining
Hydrops
Munson's Sign
Ruzutti's Light Reflex
Reduced Interocular Pressure
Classification
Treatment Options
Surgical Treatments

From the Paper
"Typically, glasses can correct vision loss early; later, asymmetrical astigmatism requires optical correction with rigid contact lenses. Contact lenses provide a consistent refracting surface and therefore recover vision. Contact lenses can improve vision, but they can also blemish the cornea. Patients should be informed upon diagnosis that they would likely require contact lenses ultimately. (Macsai et al., 1990) Although most patients can carry on to read and drive, some feel quality of life is harmfully affected."

Tags:glasses, astigmatism, nearsightedness, light, rubbing, myopic, recovery

Abstract
This clearly written paper presents an understanding into the basic physiology of the eye and how it responds to light which in effect begins the visual process. The writer of this paper delves into the anatomy of the eye as well as the brain's association to the concept of light. The writer contends and explains why the human eye is basically a fully functioning, self contained camera with a never ending supply of power. The eye functions mainly by permitting light to pass through the cornea which acts in the same manner as a camera's aperture. The writer delves into the field of evolution by contending that sight and vision are a crucial aspect in mankind's evolutionary progress. This paper also contains three illustrative graphics relevant to this particular topic.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Light and the Sun
Human Eye Anatomy
Vision Function
Conclusion
References

From the Paper
"Our planet is as it is because of the main function of the sun. The sun is the center and most likely the most critical part of our solar system because of the light it offers to feed our planet and drive all life. There is little doubt from a scientific perspective that our planet would be greatly altered without the sun and most likely would have no life. For living creatures to evolve, expand and thrive, they have had to learn to function on the ideas or concepts of sensing light in some way.
This notion applies to all living creature on our planet and therefore could be considered to be an almost universal law. Consider that all plants utilize light through the concept of photosynthesis to feed themselves and mammals and other life forms utilize light to hunt, mate and preserve themselves through the cycles of light that are present."

Tags:vision, function, cornea, sight, anatomy, science

Abstract
This paper explores and analyzes the field of organ donation, opening with the statement that everyone has the ability to save or improve the quality of life for up to 50 people. The paper launches into a brief history and background of organ transplants, including the first successful organ transplants. The paper explains that the organ shortage has been a growing crisis in the US for decades, and the amount of people who are fighting for their lives while waiting on an organ to become available has greatly increased. To address the shortage, the paper suggests creating more educational programs that highlight the seriousness of the organ shortage crisis; encouraging individuals to register as organ donors; and increasing public exposure to the facts of organ donation. The paper also opines that the government should pass a presumed consent law, stating that other medically advanced countries have switched to presumed consent and it has proven to be highly effective in saving lives. The paper notes that economic research shows donor participation and registration would increase significantly if monetary incentives were given to donors. Finally, the paper concludes that the important issue at hand should not be ethics or others' feelings, but rather the lives of the people who are affected by this crisis.

From the Paper
"The ethical issues surrounding financial incentives to increase organ donation revolve around the idea that it will eliminate the altruistic nature of the current donor system in which donations are not driven by any selfish reasoning. One problem with that rationale is if a son or daughter donates his or her kidney to save a parent, is he or she actually committing a pure act of altruism or is there a subconscious motivator, such as not wanting to see the parent die or possibly increasing one's sense of self-worth? If there is any external or internal reward for an act, then it cannot be deemed altruistic."

Tags:implied consent, financial incentive donor recipient, life support, heart liver kidney cornea

Abstract
This is a research proposal that seeks to identify barriers to corneal donation within hospitals and medical communities. A large body of research would focus on issues surrounding the post-mortem donations of tissue. This research examines what barriers exist within hospital and medical communities in an attempt to determine how these barriers may be overcome.

From the Paper
"Traditionally the most significant barrier to organ donation and transplantation has been acquisition of organs and tissues (Murray et. al, 2002). The need for cornea tissue is rising. The average wait time for a corneal transplant is two or more years (Murray et. al, 2002). Typically patients with pain resulting from corneal disease and blindness in both eyes are considered priority patients (Murray, et. al, 2002). Thought there have been more corneas available, the wait time and list still remains long."

Tags:cornea, hurdles, medicine

Abstract
This paper examines how the term conjunctivitis refers to any inflammatory condition of the membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the exposed surface of the sclera, and is the most common cause of "red eye" or "pink eye". It looks at the different types from viral to bacterial and discusses FDA approved treatments.

From the Paper
"The conjunctiva is a thin, translucent, relatively elastic tissue layer with both bulbar and palpebral portions, the bulbar portion fines the outer aspect of the globe, while the palpebral covers the inside of the eyelids, and underneath the conjunctiva lie the episclera, the sclera and the uveal tissue layers (Abbott pp). The conjunctiva firmly adheres to the sclera at the limbus, where it meets the cornea, and the accessory lacrimal glands, along with goblet cells, are contained within the conjunctiva and are responsible for keeping the eye lubricated (Silverman pp). "As with any mucous membrane, infectious agents may adhere to the conjunctiva, thus overwhelming normal defense mechanisms and producing clinical symptoms of redness, discharge, irritation, and possibly photophobia" (Silverman pp). "

Tags:eye, cornea, sclera, membrane