Fast Facts
 More than 30,000 Americans and hundreds of thousands of others around the world suffer from corneal blindness each year.- It is estimated that more than 10 million people worldwide could have their vision restored through corneal donation and transplant.
- In 2006, the Northeast Pennsylvania Lions Eye Bank was able to provide the gift of sight to 1,268 people. (1,163 people in 2005.)
- Since our inception in 1957, the Eye Bank has facilitated the sight restoration of more than 21,000 people.
- There is currently no substitute for human corneal tissue. Corneal transplant is solely dependent upon the availability of corneal donation.
- Almost everyone is a suitable cornea donor. Cataracts, poor eyesight, or age do not prohibit donation.
- It is very important that individuals who want to become a cornea donor inform their families of their wishes. Even in the presence of a signed donor card, family consent is required before donation can occur.
- Corneal transplant is the most frequently performed human transplant procedure.
- The first corneal transplant was performed in 1905, making it the world’s oldest transplant surgery.
- Today, corneal transplant is primarily a one-day outpatient procedure.
- Approximately 95% of all corneal transplant surgeries are successful.
- The Northeast Pennsylvania Lions Eye Bank is an independent 501(c) 3 nonprofit corporation. We are fully credited by the Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA).
- The Eye Bank’s 24-hour telephone number, 1-800-NE-PA-EYE (637-2393), is in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for the recovery, testing, evaluation, and distribution of donated eye tissue.
For more information on becoming a cornea donor, contact the Eye Bank today or call 1-800-NE-PA-EYE (637-2393).
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