FAQ
What parts of the eye are used for transplant?
- The cornea, which is the clear lens at the front of the eye.
- The sclera, or white part of the eye.
Who can be an eye donor?
- People from the age of 2 years up to and including 75 years of age.
Can people with bad vision, or who are blind donate their eyes?
- Yes! Unless an individual has a condition which affects the health of their cornea, they can donate their eyes. People with glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts can donate.
Can people with cancer donate their eyes?
- Yes; people with most forms of cancer can donate their eyes.
- There are a few exceptions; Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma, Melanoma, cancer in the eye.
Will the person be able to have an open casket service?
- Yes, an open casket service or viewing is possible after eye or organ donation.
- The individual is restored using a conformer, like a contact lens, so that they look natural, as though they are resting.
Is the family told who receives the transplants?
- No. A letter of appreciation is sent to the family. The actual identities of the donor and recipients are kept confidential under present laws. However, recipient and donor families can communicate with each other anonymously via the Eye Bank.
What is a cornea transplant?
- A corneal transplant involves replacing the cornea, or a portion of it, with donated corneal tissue.
Who can benefit from donated ocular tissue?
- People with diseased or damaged corneas can benefit through corneal transplants.
- People with glaucoma may have a surgical procedure which involves the insertion of a pressure release valve; donated sclera tissue may used as a part of this procedure.
- An individual who has lost their eye, or had it removed for medical reasons, may have a prosthetic (artificial) eye inserted using donor sclera tissue.
How can research benefit from eye donation?
- Donated tissue can help scientists understand the reasons why some people develop eye diseases. They can also help in the development of treatments that will help improve vision and prevent blindness.
How is tissue used for education?
- Donated tissue which is not transplantable can be used in training for corneal graft preparation.
How do I consent for eye donation?
- You may register with the BC Donor Registry. It is important to share your wishes with your family.
- When an individual is receiving Palliative Care they may choose to consent for donation; a consent form is completed at that time.
- After an individual passes away, the family will be approached by a health profession to provide them with information about eye donation.
How can I register on the BC Donor Registry?
- You can register your wishes regarding eye and organ donation by phone or online. It is important to share your wishes with your family.
Does the donated tissue need to be matched with a donor?
- No. Tissue does not need to be blood or tissue matched.
