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 precisely 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 part harvested for transplantation.
What is Donated?
- Cornea: This is the only part of the eye typically donated. It's a vital component for restoring vision in individuals suffering from corneal damage or disease.
What is NOT Donated?
- Iris: The colored part of the eye is not donated.
- Entire Eyeball: The whole eye is not transplanted.
The donation process focuses solely on the cornea due to its unique properties and its ability to be successfully transplanted. When registering as an organ donor, you'll find corneas listed as a separate option for donation. This highlights the specific nature of eye donation and the importance of understanding what is actually being contributed.
