50+ Lifestyles

Become an Eye Donor

By Marie A. Wisely
Choice Home Health Care, CPHQ-Agency Administrator

From time-to-time, home care and hospice professionals are asked about organ and tissue donation. Obviously this is a very personal decision, however by making the decision to donate eyes and or corneal tissue, individuals are able to give the Gift of Sight to two people suffering from corneal blindness. According to the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics (2014), “Corneal transplant is one of the most frequently performed human transplant procedures. Since 1961, more than 549,889 corneal transplants have been performed, restoring sight to men, women, and children ranging in age from nine days to 103 years. Over 90 percent of all corneal transplant operations successfully restore the corneal recipient’s vision” (corneal transplants).

Why should people become an eye donor? In terms of transplantation, there is no substitute for human tissue,. The rate of success is greatly improved when human tissue is used.  Additionally, much needed research must be performed on human tissue. Donated human eyes and corneal tissue are used for research, education, and transplantation. Anyone can become an eye donor. Cataracts, poor eyesight, or age do not prevent someone from being a donor. There are vast amounts of information available locally and nationally. A simple
internet search will reveal a wealth of resources. One important task potential donors often skip is informing family members of their intentions regarding donation. Unfortunately, this omitted step can delay donation. Typically if the donor has been kept cool, the tissue may be recovered for up to 8-12 hours and then placed in special solution before 24 hours. This would allow the tissue to be used for up to 7 days.

Please consider eye donation. There is an organ and tissue shortage in the United States. To find out more information, please visit the following web-sites:
In Iowa – http://www.uihealthcare.org/eye-donor-awareness-frequently-asked-questions/,
In Illinois – http://www.donatelifeillinois.org/