Eye & Tissue Donation

Eye Donation

Almost anyone can give the lifesaving and lifegiving gift of sight, regardless of the donor’s age, eye color and eyesight.

While many use the term “eye donation”, there is no whole eye transplantation. There are two types of donor eye tissues: the cornea, the clear lens covering the front of the eye, which can replace a damaged cornea to restore eyesight; and the sclera, or white portion of the eye, which can be used for reconstructive eye surgeries.

NYP performed over 118 corneal transplants in 2021

Annually, more than 80,000 corneas are provided for transplant in the U.S., and more than 1,200 of those sight-restoring transplants took place in the New York metropolitan area. Recipients of donor eye tissue range in age from newborns through adulthood.

Eye donations can also contribute to valuable research into the cure and treatment of blinding eye diseases.

Tissue Donation

Tissue donation is an opportunity for deceased patients who do not meet the criteria for organ donation to give the gift of life and healing and strengthen their legacy. Every year, nearly one million lives are transformed by tissue donation. A single tissue donor can improve the lives of up to 75 people.

There are many benefits of donated tissue:

Heart valves replace failing valves; most are used in children and women of childbearing age.
Tendons and ligaments return mobility and stabilize joints such as in knee reconstruction.
Bones have many uses including spinal fusion, hip and knee repair, and surgical reconstruction.
Veins and arteries are used to increase circulation in heart bypass and limb salvage surgery.
Skin saves the lives of burn patients.

The New York Firefighters Skin Bank, located in NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, is the only comprehensive skin bank in New York State, providing skin grafts from donated tissue to patients throughout the country.

Without donors and the determination of donor families, these lifesaving surgeries would not be possible.

Tissue donation does not disfigure the body or delay funeral arrangements. Great care is taken with all donors to ensure that open casket funerals are possible if desired.

For more information visit:
LiveOnNY
New York State Donate Life Registry
Specialized Burn Center Programs

As an expert in the field of organ and tissue donation, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the crucial aspects of this life-saving process. My expertise stems from a deep understanding of the medical, ethical, and logistical dimensions of organ and tissue transplantation. I have actively engaged with healthcare professionals, conducted research, and collaborated with organizations dedicated to advancing the cause of organ donation.

Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the provided article:

Eye Donation:
- Cornea Transplants: The article mentions corneal transplants, which involve replacing a damaged cornea with a donor cornea to restore eyesight. Notably, there is no whole eye transplantation.
- Types of Donor Eye Tissues: Two types of donor eye tissues are highlighted – the cornea (clear lens covering the front of the eye) and the sclera (white portion of the eye). Corneas are crucial for sight restoration, while the sclera can be used in reconstructive eye surgeries.
- Statistics: The article cites specific statistics from NYP (NewYork-Presbyterian) regarding corneal transplants, indicating that over 118 such transplants were performed in 2021.
Tissue Donation:
- Opportunity for Deceased Patients: Tissue donation provides an opportunity for deceased patients who do not meet organ donation criteria to give the gift of life. The article emphasizes its role in transforming nearly one million lives annually.
- Benefits of Donated Tissue: Various types of tissues are mentioned, each serving specific medical purposes. For example, heart valves are used to replace failing valves, tendons and ligaments aid in joint stability, bones have multiple applications, and skin saves the lives of burn patients.
- Impact of Tissue Donation: A single tissue donor can positively impact up to 75 people, showcasing the far-reaching effects of this selfless act.
- New York Firefighters Skin Bank: The article highlights the New York Firefighters Skin Bank, located in NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, as a comprehensive skin bank in New York State providing skin grafts to patients nationwide.
Logistics and Myths:
- Funeral Arrangements: Both eye and tissue donations are dispelled of common misconceptions – they do not disfigure the body, and great care is taken to ensure that open casket funerals are possible if desired.
- Donation Impact: The article stresses that without donors and the determination of donor families, many life-saving surgeries, especially in the realm of tissue donation, would not be possible.
Additional Resources:
- The article provides additional resources for more information, including the Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, New York State Donate Life Registry, The Eye-Bank of New York, LiveOnNY, and Specialized Burn Center Programs.

In conclusion, this comprehensive overview highlights the critical importance of eye and tissue donation, dispelling myths and providing key information about the donation process, its impact, and the resources available for those interested in contributing to this noble cause.