Why be an Eye Donor?
Every year in the United States more than 34,000 people have their sight restored through corneal transplantation and hundreds of thousands are helped through important research to find cures for other blinding diseases. In addition to the cornea, the sclera (white part of your eye) can also be used for ocular graft surgery in the treatment of cancer and other diseases. One eye donor can help up to 10 people through transplanted tissue. Today, cornea transplant surgery has a success rate that exceeds 95%.

What is the Cornea?
The cornea is the clear outer surface of your eye. By itself, it is about the size and shape of a contact lens. The cornea is the window to the eye. It allows the light to pass through, thus enabling you to see.

Who needs a cornea transplant?
People need transplants for many reasons. Some infants are born with a congenital birth defect. Other people suffer a blunt injury, burn or infection of the eye that damages one or both corneas. Most people suffer from a variety of ocular diseases that affect the corneas. The disease may cause the cornea to become clouded and distorted in shape. When the cornea is clouded no light can pass through and blindness sets in.

Who can be an Eye Donor?
Anyone who wishes to donate may be an Eye Donor. Tissue used for transplants is primarily between the ages of 2 to 70, but any age tissue may be used for medical research or education.

Will the quality of medical treatment be affected if I choose to be a donor?
Absolutely not! There are many false myths about the quality of healthcare being affected by donation, and they are not true. Eye donation is a consideration only after death has been pronounced and documented. A donor card or decision to donate in no way plays a part in the treatment of any patient.

Is there a fee for donating?
No. There is no cost to you or your family for donating. All and any costs associated with eye donation are covered by the Eye Bank.

Will eye donation affect the appearance of the donor?
In general, Eye donation does not affect the appearance of the donor, nor does it prevent the family from the option of an open-caskett viewing.

What do I do if I want to be a donor?

Delaware Residents can click HERE to access the on-line registry.

Pennsylvania Residents can click HERE to access the on-line registry.

New Jersey Residents can click HERE to access the on-line registry.

You can also sign a donor card and/or have a donor designation put on your driver's license, but the most important step in becoming a donor is talking to your family. Share your decision to donate with your family and find out what they think about donation.