Eye donation
Questions people actually ask
What is the cornea?
The cornea is the eye’s outermost layer: the clear, dome-shaped surface covering the front of the eye.
What is corneal blindness?
When the cornea becomes cloudy or scarred, light cannot pass through it to reach the light-sensitive retina. Poor vision or blindness results.
What causes it?
Injuries to the eye, birth defects, malnutrition, infections, chemical burns, congenital disorders, and complications of eye surgery.
How successful is corneal transplantation?
Over 97% of corneal transplant operations successfully restore the recipient’s vision.
Is the whole eye transplanted?
No. Only the cornea can be transplanted.
Will a transplant change the colour of my eye?
No. The cornea is a clear, separate layer and is not the coloured iris.
How soon after donation must a cornea be transplanted?
Recovery of donor tissue happens within hours of death. The preservation medium used in India keeps the cornea viable for some days, but most transplants take place within a week of recovery.
Why should eyes be donated?
There is no substitute for human tissue. Transplantation depends entirely on corneas donated from one person to another. Donated eyes are also needed for research and education.
Will donation affect the donor’s appearance?
No. Great care is taken to preserve the donor’s appearance, and the donor’s body is always treated with respect. Funeral arrangements, including a viewing, may proceed as scheduled.