Your donation could help restore someone’s vision. Donations go to recipients of all ages, from newborn children to people over 100 years old. Your decision to be a donor will not affect the quality of your medical care in any way. Donations are only procured after you’ve been declared dead, and the physician who certifies your death will not be involved in the collection process whatsoever.
In some states, a donor’s registration is sufficient, and no next-of-kin consent is required. However, this varies by state. If you’re committed to being a donor, let your family know about your wishes no matter what your state laws require.
Most major religions support the choice to donate eyes, organs, and tissue after death, and those that do not have an official position on the matter usually believe that it is an individual decision. [3] X Research source Talking to your priest, rabbi, imam, or other spiritual leader may help you find peace of mind with your decision to donate.
Every state accepts eye donations and performs corneal transplants. State laws generally only affect how you register, whether your family needs to give consent, and how/when the donation is collected after you die. Some states may impose restrictions on the age of the donor, though many do not. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source To find out your state’s specific requirements, including how to register, search online for how to become an eye donor in your state.
You can find your state’s registry by visiting the U. S. Department of Health & Human Services. Click on the interactive map to choose your state and learn how to enroll in your state’s registry.
The easiest way is to register with your state’s registry, as this will ensure that your donation will be put to use where it is needed. If you or your family have a dedication to a particular eye bank or non-profit group, you may be more comfortable initiating the process with them. There is no right or wrong way to enroll in your state’s registry. It’s more a matter of what you feel most comfortable with as a donor. Beware of intent registries. While it is still a meaningful gesture, an intent registry is not linked with your state’s registry, and your next of kin will still need to give his or her consent. [8] X Research source
In addition to letting your relatives know, you should also tell your friends, spiritual leader, and your attorney (if you have one). This will help ensure that there are no uncertainties about your decision.
Depending on where you live, your driver’s license may be a good way to indicate that you are an organ donor. Some states also issue donor wallet cards. These are to be kept in your wallet with your regular ID card, so that medical professionals will know of your desire to donate if they cannot save your life. [9] X Research source
Your blood and tissue are tested after you die to check for communicable diseases. Doctors may also review your medical, family, and social history, in addition to examining the condition of your eyes and cornea. The only conditions that would disqualify your donation is if you had a communicable, life-threatening illness like HIV or hepatitis, or if you died by drowning. Even cancer does not automatically disqualify you from donating your eyes, though further tests may be performed to ensure that ocular cancer would not be a risk to the recipient. [10] X Research source In the unlikely event that your donation cannot be used for transplants (due to medical complications), your donation can still be used for medical education and transplant research, with your family’s consent. [11] X Research source
Surgeons and donation coordinators can usually predict the average number of donations in a given week, and often schedule surgeries in advance knowing that a donation will likely be made in time. Your donation can help anyone. Donations go to infants, the elderly, and everyone in between, across all races, ethnicities, and genders.
After you are declared dead, a separate team of medical professionals will test your blood, examine your eyes, and research your medical and family histories. If you are a registered donor, your donation may be procured more quickly. If you are not a registered donor, your family may be asked about their wishes for your body. The decision to donate must be made quickly, as there is a time limit of only a few hours after you pass before your eyes are no longer usable for transplants. The collection of your donation will not delay any funeral arrangements you or your family have made. Donating your eyes (or any part of them) will not affect your appearance for the wake or funeral. You may still have an open-casket viewing, as your appearance will be preserved. Corneal and ocular donations are only viable for transplant for up to 14 days. However, most donations are used within one to four days due to the great need for donations. [13] X Research source The person receiving your donation has the surgery performed at an outpatient facility. Corneal transplant surgeries have an incredibly high success rate, with over 95% of recipients having successfully-restored vision.
