Become a Donor
The cornea is the thin, transparent portion of the eye that
allows light in. It is the size of a contact lens and may be
donated up to 16 hours after the time of death. In this section you
can find answers to questions like:
What is the cornea?
The cornea is the thin, transparent portion of the eye. It is
the main focusing element of the eye allowing light to pass
through. Vision will be dramatically reduced if the cornea becomes
cloudy or scarred from disease, injury or infection.
Can whole eyes be transplanted?
No. Only the cornea can be transplanted. The entire eye may be
used for valuable research and education.
Research on glaucoma, retinal disease, eye complications due to
diabetes and other sight disorders helps to advance the discovery
of the cause and effects of these conditions. This then leads to
new treatments and cures.
Who can become a donor?
Almost anyone! Cataracts, macular degeneration, poor eyesight,
cancer, diabetes, heart and lung disease or age do not prevent you
from being a cornea and/or eye donor. It is important for
individuals wanting to be donors to inform family members of their
wishes.
If a person has already signed a donor card, a driver's license,
or signed up on Kentucky's Donor Registry, how can they be sure
that their wishes regarding donation will be respected? Tell your
family you want to be a cornea donor. Donation is an end of life
decision. If you are suitable for donation at your time of death,
your family will be asked about cornea donation. So please, talk to
your family about your decision.
How can I become a donor?
By clicking the link below, you will be taken to Kentucky or
Indiana's Donor Registry website. This is a secure site where you
can sign up online to become a donor. You will need to have either
a driver's license or state issued ID in order to register.
Kentucky: www.donatelifeky.org
Indiana: https://www.indianalastwishregistry.org/donors.aspx