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Frequently Asked Questions

 

Who can be an eye donor?

Anyone. Cataracts, poor eyesight and age do not prohibit you from becoming a donor. Prospective donors may indicate their intentions on the Iowa Donor Registry, donor cards and driver's licenses. However, it is important for donors to inform family members of their wishes to help ensure that their desires are fulfilled.

Why should eyes be donated?

Donated human eyes are necessary for the preservation and restoration of sight.

More than 700 corneal transplants are performed each year in Iowa to successfully restore vision to patients suffering from corneal problems.

What is the cornea?

The cornea is the clear surface at the front of the eye. It is the main focusing element of the eye. Should the cornea become cloudy from disease, injury, infection, or any other cause, vision will be dramatically reduced.

What is a corneal transplant?

A corneal 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. More than 95 percent of corneal transplant operations are successful.

How prevalent is corneal transplantation?

Corneal transplantation is the most frequently performed human transplant procedure. In the last 50 years, tissue for more than 12,000 corneal transplants has been provided by the Iowa Lions Eye Bank. Nationally, corneal transplants have restored sight to men, women, and children ranging in age from three days to 107 years.

How soon after a donation must a cornea be transplanted?

A corneal transplant is usually performed within two to six days after donation.

Can the whole eye be transplanted?

No. Only the cornea can be transplanted. However, the entire eye is used for valuable research and education.

How great is the need for corneas?

There is always a large need for more donors. More than 47,000 corneal transplants are performed in America annually. There were 1200 people across the U.S. who needed corneal transplants and did not receive them. These people are blind for no reason except for a lack of donors. To date, synthetic corneas for transplant are still being tested.

What is an eye bank?

An eye bank obtains, medically evaluates and distributes eyes which are donated by humanitarian minded citizens for use in corneal transplantation, research and education. To ensure patient safety, the donated eyes and the donor's medical history are evaluated by a trained professional in accordance with the Eye Bank Association of America's strict Medical Standards, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulations and Iowa Lions Eye Bank strict Policies and Procedures.

What happens if the corneas are not suitable for transplant?

All donors and eyes are carefully evaluated. Should the corneas be determined as unsuitable for transplant, they can be used for research and education.

How does research and education benefit from eye donations?

In addition to corneas used for surgical procedures, more than 500 eyes are used in Iowa annually for research and education. Research on blinding eye disease, such as age related macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal disease, eye complications of diabetes and other sight disorders benefit from donations because many eye problems cannot be simulated. These studies advance the knowledge of the causes and effects of specific eye conditions which leads to new treatments and cures. Eye donation for research provides a potential cure that could help millions regain their sight.

Are there religious conflicts to organ, tissue or eye donation?

No. Donation is a gift of life, or sight to others. As such, organ, tissue and eye donations are consistent with beliefs and attitudes of major religions.

Can the next-of-kin consent to a donation if the deceased family member has not signed the Iowa Donor Registry, a donor card or a driver's license?

Yes. The Uniform Anatomical Gift Act provides for this opportunity.

Will eye donation affect the appearance of the donor?

No. In general, the eye removal leaves no visible signs. Families may go ahead with funeral arrangements, including a viewing if so desired.

Will the recipients be told who donated the corneas?

No. The gift of sight is made anonymously. Donor families and recipients can be given some general information about each other, if desired. When requested, communication between donor families and recipients is facilitated by the Iowa Lions Eye Bank.

Should eye donation be included in a will?

It is not advisable, as eyes must be used long before a will can be probated.

However, the time of preparing a will is a good time to discuss organ and tissue donation with family members. This is also a good time to document donation wishes through signing a legal Document of Gift, such as the Iowa Donor Registry, donor card, or updating your driver's license.

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