Who can Become a Donor?

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who can become an eye donor?
• Am I too old/young to be an eye donor?
• Does it matter if the donor wears glasses or has other eye problems?
• Will eye donation affect the appearance of the donor?
• What is the cornea?
• Can the whole eye be transplanted?
• How great is the need for corneas?
• What happens if the corneas are not suitable for transplant?
• What is an Eye Bank?
• Will the recipient be told who donated the cornea or the donor family told the identity of the recipient?
• Will the donor family pay or receive any fees?
• Will the quality of medical treatment be affected if one is known to be a donor?
• Are there religious objections to eye, organ or tissue donations?
• What do I need to do to become a donor?
• Should eye donation be included in a will?

A: Anyone. Cataracts, poor eye sight or age do not prohibit you from becoming a donor. Prospective donors should indicate their intention on a donor card and or driver's licenses. It is important for individuals wanting to be donors to inform their family members about their decision to ensure that their desires are fulfilled.

A: No. There is generally a use for eyes of any age. Give the Eye Bank a chance to use your eyes for transplantation or research.

A: No. Previous eye surgery or diseases of the eye do not automatically disqualify donation.

A:Great care is taken to preserve the appearance of the donor. No one will be able to see that anything has been done. Families may proceed with funeral arrangements, including a viewing if so desired.

A: The cornea is the clear surface at the front of the eye. It is the main focusing element of the eye. Should the cornea become cloudy from disease, injury, infection, or any other cause, vision will be dramatically reduced.

A: No. Only the cornea may be transplanted. A corneal transplant is the surgical procedure which replaces a disc-shaped segment of a defective cornea with a similarly shaped piece of a healthy donor cornea. The new cornea is placed into the area where the damaged tissue was removed and then stitched into place.

A: Although more than 46,000 coneal transplants were performed in North America in 1996, the need for corneal tissue is never satisfied. To date, the use of artificial tissue for transplantation has been unsuccessful.

A:All donors and eyes are carefully evaluated. Should the corneas be determined unsuitable for transplant, they can be used for research and education.

A: An Eye Bank obtains, medically evaluates and distributes eye tissue which is donated by humanitarian minded citizens, for the use in corneal transplantation, research and education. To ensure patient safety, the donated tissue and the donor's medical history are evaluated by the eye bank in accordance with Eye Bank Association of America's (EBAA) strict Medical Standards.

A: The donor and recipient always remain unknown to each other. The "Gift of Sight" is made anonymously. A recipient or donor family may correspond anonymously through the East Tennessee Lions Eye Bank.

A: No. It is illegal to buy or sell human tissue or organs in the US. Any cost associated with eye procurement or organ procurement are absorbed by the procurement agencies.

A: No. Strict laws are in existence which protect the potential donor. Legal guidelines must be followed before death can be certified. The physician certifying a patient's death is not involved with the procurement or the transplant.

A: Most religious groups have issued a statement regarding donation. Donation is an opportunity to help save a life or restore someone's sight. As such, eye, organ and tissue donation are consistent with beliefs and attitudes of major religions.

A:Most importantly, tell your family of your wishes. Most states (including TN) require that families be offered the option of donation at the time of death of a loved one. Signed consent from next-of-kin is required at the time of death. It is most helpful if they know how you feel. You also need to complete the back on your driver's license or carry a donor card. Donor cards are available from The East Tennessee Lions Eye Bank.

A: No. Tissue must be used long before the will can be probated. However, the time of making a will is a good time to discuss eye, tissue and organ donation with close family members.

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Revised: March 21, 1998