Donation of eye tissue allows corneal and scleral transplantation resulting in enhanced lives.

The cornea is the clear tissue that covers the colored part of the eye. Light passes through to reach the retina, giving sight. Genetic conditions, illness or injury may result in scarring or clouding of the cornea that can result in vision impairment or blindness. Donated cornea tissue may be used to restore vision.

The sclera is the white part of the eye. Scleral grafts may be used when someone suffers an injury or has a blind, painful eye. Sight is not restored through a scleral implant, but quality of life is enhanced.

The Process

1. Call

The hospital, hospice, first responders or funeral home call to report the death of a potential donor. If eligible for donation, next of kin will be contacted.

2. Consent

An individual may have joined the donor registry at the DMV or by signing up online. Consent can also be given by the next of kin.

3. Review

A medical and social history review with the family and review of the medical records ensure the eye tissue is safe for transplantation.

4. Recovery

Recovery is performed at the hospital or another designated facility.

5. Evaluation

Specially trained professionals evaluate eye tissue for health and safety for transplantation.

6. Request

An ophthalmologist determines that a patient requires a corneal transplant or scleral implant. The physician will call to request donated eye tissue.

7. Transplant

Surgeons transplant graft into a grateful recipient. Success rates are more than 95 percent.

You may STILL be an eye tissue donor if you have any of the following:

Cancer
Diabetes
Poor vision
Macular degeneration
Glaucoma
Cataracts or cataract surgery
Lasik surgery

Become a Donor Today!

The gift of eye, organ and tissue donation can save and improve the lives of up to 80 people. Lions Eye Bank of Nebraska relies on the generous gift of eye tissue donation to fulfill its mission of preventing blindness.