Information for Eye Donation

According to the Eye Bank Association of America, more than 500,000 corneal transplants have been performed since the early 1960s. This type of implant has a large success rate, as more than 90 percent of transplant procedures have successfully repaired the sight of recipients. Donated eyes can also be used for research.

Cornea Transplants

• The only part of the eye that can be transplanted is the cornea. The cornea is the translucent, dome-shaped window casing of the front of the eye. If the cornea becomes murky by disease, injury or infection, vision becomes compromised, leading to hindered vision or blindness. A cornea can only be replaced with another human cornea through donation after a person passes away.

How to Donate

• Anyone can be an eye donor. Donation is free, as transplant agencies pick up the costs connected with the donation. To donate your eyes, you must inform your family on your wishes to be a living legacy. Make sure you indicate on your driver's license that you want to be a donor. In addition, you must properly fill out your donor card and keep it on you. If you donor card is not accessible at the time of your passing, your next of kin will be accountable for giving consent.

Funeral Arrangements

• Obtaining the necessary eye tissue is done shortly after you pass away. Your family can carry out funeral arrangements without any lengthy postponement. The funeral home may need some extra time, up to four hours, to make your body ready for viewing. If you donate your eyes, you can still have an open-casket funeral.

All Eyes Can Be Used

• It does not matter how old you are. Anyone of any age can be a donor. Even if you suffer from cataracts or wear glasses, your eyes still can be donated. If you have suffered from an eye disease or had surgery performed on your eyes, you can still be a donor. If your eyes do not qualify for transplant, they can still be used for other purposes.

Research

• Eyes that are deemed unusable for a cornea transplant can be used for research purposes. Researchers can use the donated eyes to assist in providing a better understanding of the origins and potential treatments for various eye diseases, such as glaucoma and cataracts.