This tragic loss of vision may be the result of congenital corneal disease, infection, trauma, chemical burns or corneal swelling. Fortunately, through the medical miracle of corneal transplantation, sight restoration is possible. To become an eye donor, sign a donor card and discuss your decision with your family so they can carry out your wishes after your death. An eye bank obtains, medically evaluates and distributes eyes donated by caring individuals for use In corneal transplantation, research, and education. Eye banks are non-profit organizations.
Donation is an opportunity to help save a life or restore someone's sight.
Eye, organ, and tissue donation are consistent with the beliefs and attitudes of major religions. The cornea is the clear surface at the front of the eye and is the main focusing element. Should the cornea become cloudy from disease, injury, infection or any other cause, vision will be dramatically reduced. A cornea transplant is the surgical procedure which replaces a disc-shaped segment of an impaired cornea with a similarly shaped piece of a healthy donor cornea. Since 1961 more than 549,889 cornea transplants have been performed, restoring sight to men, women, and children ranging in age from nine days to 103 years.