Corneal donation

If you are reading this leaflet you may be thinking about donation but might be unsure whether this is possible for you or what is involved.

One person’s donation can help save the sight of up to ten people.

Corneal donation is a very simple and quick procedure which can change the life of people with severe sight loss and painful eye conditions.

The cornea is the clear front ‘window’ of the eye. It is the main focusing element of the eye and if it becomes cloudy from disease, injury or infection, vision is dramatically reduced.
One person’s donation can help save or even restore the sight of up to ten people.
Corneal transplant is a successful sight saving operation with 93% of corneas working after one year and 74% still working after seven years.
Both young and old can benefit. The youngest recipient was a few days old and the oldest 104.
There is a tissue shortage each year in the UK so only the most severe cases are offered a graft. Many more people would benefit from a sight saving graft if more corneas were available.

Most people, apart from the very elderly, can be considered as a cornea donor, including people with cancer and poor eyesight.
People with blood borne viruses and neurological conditions like dementia cannot donate.
Those with leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma and metastatic melanoma are also not suitable.
The donation will not have any effect on funeral arrangements and the donors’ natural appearance is maintained.
Consent is normally taken after death from your next of kin.
The donation is carried out within 24 hours of death and can take place in the hospital/hospice or at the funeral directors.
The procedure is always performed with respect and dignity by qualified health care professionals.

Please be aware that after your death, NHSBT will approach your next of kin to go through the consent process.

Thank you for your gift of sight and for helping give others hope.