EC Ophthalmology

Corneal transplantation is the world’s most frequently performed transplant surgery and has the potential to restore vision in patients with damaged or diseased corneas. Despite the volume of procedures done worldwide, a significant global gap exists between supply and demand, with an estimated 53% of the world’s population lacking access to corneal transplantation. The United States, one of only two countries with a surplus of eye tissue, is uniquely positioned to help address this shortage. This study explores attitudes in the U.S. toward organ donation in general versus corneal donation specifically, aiming to identify factors that may influence willingness to donate corneal tissue.

A survey of 378 individuals, modeled after a 2019 National Survey of Organ Donation Attitudes and Practices, assessed demographic variables and attitudes toward organ and corneal donation. Of the 318 fully completed surveys, 14% of respondents indicated unwillingness to donate organs, yet over half of that subgroup expressed willingness to donate their corneas. Statistical analysis revealed three key factors significantly associated with corneal donation willingness despite general opposition to organ donation: beliefs about burial with intact body parts, family support for donation, and support for presumed consent policies.

The study also identified religion, particularly within the Islamic community, as a significant factor in overall attitudes toward donation.

These findings suggest that offering individuals the option to donate specific organs-such as corneas-rather than presenting organ donation as an all-or-nothing choice at the DMV, could increase tissue availability. This shift in approach could potentially result in millions more corneas becoming available for transplant. The survey results also suggest that a continued effort for education and outreach to the Islamic community could increase organ donation generally, and corneal donation specifically within that demographic.

Further research is needed to explore these trends in a more diverse population with a greater sample size. However, the study provides compelling evidence that changing the way donation options are presented could be a practical step toward increasing the global supply of corneal tissue.

 Keywords: Cornea; Organ Donation; Attitudes; Tissue Donation

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