Eye Donation Facts

• The cornea is the clear tissue covering the front of the eye. It is the main focusing element of the eye. Vision will be dramatically reduced if the cornea becomes cloudy from disease, injury or infection.
• Corneal transplantation is one of the most frequently performed human transplant procedures.
• Most people can be an eye donor.
• Cataracts, poor eyesight and prior eye surgery may not prohibit you from becoming an eye donor.
• Individuals with cancer or diabetes may become eye donors.
• Families do not incur extra expense; nor are they paid any money for eye donations.
• Eye donation does not usually delay funeral arrangements or prohibit open caskets.
• Eye donation is an opportunity to restore someone’s sight. Eye, organ, and tissue donations are consistent with the beliefs and attitudes of major religions.
• One eye donor can potentially help several people and aid thousands if the tissue is used for research or education.
• Donations that are unsuitable for transplant can be used for medical research and education.
• Over 90% of all corneal transplant operations successfully restore the corneal recipient’s vision