The cornea is the eye’s outermost layer, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye.
When the cornea becomes cloudy, light cannot penetrate the eye to reach the light-sensitive retina. This cloudiness can result in poor vision or complete blindness.
A corneal transplant involves replacing a diseased or scarred cornea with a new one.
Almost anyone can be a cornea donor. Unlike other organs, corneas are considered universal donors, so there’s no need for a blood type match. Age, eye color, and eyesight quality are not barriers to donation. However, individuals with certain infections or highly communicable diseases like HIV or hepatitis may not be eligible donors.
Prospective donors may indicate their intentions on a donor registration form. It is important for donors to inform family members of their wishes to help and ensure their desires are fulfilled.
To restore vision to blind individuals suffering from corneal problems.
No, only the cornea is removed for transplantation, leaving the rest of the eye intact.
No, eye donation does not affect the donor’s appearance.
No, eye tissue is procured within few hours of death, allowing families to proceed with funeral arrangements as planned.
No. It is illegal to buy or sell human eyes, organs and tissue.
Over 90% of all corneal transplant operations successfully restore the corneal recipient’s vision.
