The cornea is the part of the eye donated after death.
Understanding Eye Donation
Eye donation is a significant act of generosity, offering the gift of sight to those in need. However, it's crucial to understand exactly what is donated. The process doesn't involve donating the entire eye. Instead, the cornea, the transparent outer layer of the eye responsible for focusing light, is the only part typically donated.
This is because the cornea is the only part of the eye that can be successfully transplanted. Other parts of the eye, such as the iris, are not suitable for transplantation due to their complex structure and the body's tendency to reject them.
Why only the Cornea?
- Transplantability: The cornea's relatively simple structure makes it easier to transplant than other eye parts. The body's immune response is less likely to reject a corneal transplant.
- Accessibility: The cornea is easily accessible during surgical procedures.
- Success Rate: Corneal transplants have a high success rate, restoring or improving vision for many recipients.
When registering as an organ donor, you'll likely find "corneas" listed specifically as an option for donation. This highlights the precise nature of what's donated during eye donation procedures.
