Organized in 1957, the Eye Bank is charged with procuring, processing and distributing safe, viable eye tissue for transplant, research and education. Every year more than 49,000 corneal transplants are performed in the United States. In South Carolina approximately 500 corneas are provided annually for transplantation. In addition, in 1999, 13,000 corneas were exported internationally by U.S. Eye Banks. These “Gifts of Sight” are made possible by caring people who choose to donate their eyes. Other tissue from the eyes may also be used for reconstructive surgeries; approximately 100 of these procedures occurred in South Carolina last year. Eye Donation
The Surgical Procedure to remove the eyes takes approximately an hour and is done by trained technicians. The eye donation rarely affects the appearance and traditional funerals may be planned. Cornea Processing
The cornea is removed from the eye by an Eye Bank Technician. The cells are examined by microscope to determine suitability for surgery. Due to technological advances the cornea may be used for transplant up to 2 weeks later. Tissue Distribution
Patients are placed on the surgery list by their ophthalmologist. Tissue is distributed by the Eye Bank to the doctor whose patient is next. The Eye Bank occasionally has a shortage of tissue and corneas must be imported from out of state to avoid a waiting list. Tissue can Never be Bought or Sold. The hospital is charged a processing fee, which is added to the recipient’s operating room costs. This is reimbursed by Medicare or other insurance. If the patient has no insurance, the Lifepoint Eye Bank does not attempt to recover this portion of the expense from the patient. Who Benefits from Eye Donation?
Patients - who suffer from disease or trauma to the cornea. The cornea is the front cover of the eye and vision can be dramatically improved when a clear donated cornea replaces the patient’s own diseased or injured cornea. Researchers - Each year many eyes that cannot be used for transplant are provided to researchers who are trying to find better treatments or cures for diseases of the eye. Education - Donated eyes are used by surgeons to learn new surgical procedures and techniques. Eye banks also use these eyes to teach new technicians how to remove and preserve the cornea and other eye tissues. Donor Families - benefit from knowing that their choice of donation is a wonderful tribute to the memory of their loved one. Who Can Donate?
Almost everyone can donate. Each patient is evaluated individually by our donor coordinators to screen for infectious diseases. Even cancer patients may donate and some of their corneas used for transplant. All donated eyes are evaluated in our lab to determine suitability for transplant or research. For More Information
Call (843) 792-1852 or visit South Carolina Lifepoint Eye Bank.
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