Frequently Asked Questions

Every year, thousands of corneal transplants are performed, restoring precious sight to young and old. Anyone can become a donor—and you don’t need perfect vision to donate! It is, however, very important to let your family know of your desire to become a cornea donor.

The following questions are the most frequently asked concerning cornea donation and transplantation. We hope the answers will help you decide to become a donor and encourage you to take the necessary steps to ensure that your wishes are carried out.

What is the cornea?
The cornea is the clear surface at the front of the eye. It is the eye’s main focusing mechanism.

What is a corneal transplant?
Corneal transplant is a surgical procedure in which an impaired cornea is replaced with a new, healthy donor cornea.

Is the whole eye transplanted?
No, only the cornea can be transplanted.

Who can be a cornea donor?
Just about anyone of any age; even people with cataracts or poor eyesight can donate corneas.

Why are corneas needed?
Corneal transplantation is performed to correct conditions caused by illness or injury that would otherwise lead to severe sight loss or blindness. Each year, over 30,000 Americans need to undergo sight-restoring corneal transplant surgery.

Do cornea transplants work?
Yes. Approximately 95% of cornea transplant recipients successfully recover their sight.

Why should corneas be donated?
There is no substitute for human corneal tissue. The corneal transplantation process, as well as research and teaching, all depend upon the priceless gift of corneal tissue.

Are there any religious objections to donation?
No. All major religions support donation of organs and tissues, including corneas. For more information on religious views on cornea donation and transplantation, click here.

Will the quality of one’s medical treatment be affected if one is a donor?
Strict laws protect the potential cornea donor. The physician caring for a patient would not be involved with the donation process.

Does cornea donation interfere with funeral arrangements?
Almost never. Corneal recovery is done as soon as possible after death, and great care is taken to preserve the appearance of the donor. Cornea donation almost never interferes with funeral plans, including open casket viewing.

Will the recipient or donor families be told who donated the corneas?
The gift of sight is made anonymously. Identifying information about the cornea donor or donor family is not available to the recipient. The Northeast Pennsylvania Lions Eye Bank can convey a recipient's thanks to the donor family and vice versa if requested.

What happens if corneas are not suitable for transplant?
Eyes and donor history are evaluated carefully. Corneas determined to be unsuitable for transplant may be used for research and teaching if consent allows.

Is there a cost to donate?
No. A donation is a gift. In fact, in the United States, it is a federal crime to buy or sell human organs and tissues.

How is tissue recovered?
In Situ is a procedure where only the cornea is removed. The corneas are then used in corneal transplants to restore vision. The Eye Bank is now almost exclusively utilizing the In Situ procedure.

An Enucleation is the removal of the whole eye. Whole eyes are used for medical education, training, and local research. The sclera (white part of the eye) is also used for glaucoma filtering procedures, orbital implants, and reconstructive eye surgery.

What can I do to assure that my donation decision is carried out?
Donor cards and driver's license designations are important tools for expressing your wishes to be a corneal donor. The most important thing anyone can do is talk to your family and friends about donation. Regardless of a donor card, your family will always be asked to consent to donation. By knowing your wishes, it will be much easier for your family to say "yes" to donation. The number-one reason family members do not give consent for donation is because "they do not know what their loved one wanted."

How can I become a corneal donor?
Click here for more information on becoming a corneal donor. To contact the Eye Bank, click here or call 1-800-NE-PA-EYE (637-2393).