In Columbus, a former police lieutenant, Fred Bage, faced a life-altering realization during a routine eye examination when his doctor diagnosed him with corneal dystrophy. Bage, a dedicated officer with 38 years on the force, learned that his deteriorating vision, once dismissed as a side effect of aging, could only be restored through a cornea transplant. This insight led him to an emotional journey of understanding the urgent need for corneal donations, which stem from the ultimate selfless act—a donation from a deceased donor. His story highlights the more than 50,000 cornea donations in the U.S. annually, which have become critical in aiding individuals regain their sight.
Medical director Dr. Carrie Lambach of the Central Ohio Lions Eye Bank emphasizes the unique aspect of corneal donations, as there is no need to undergo rigorous testing or a waitlist, unlike other organ transplants. This ease is attributed to the cornea‘s composition, which lacks blood and solely relies on water and nerve endings, making the pool of potential donors expansive. Encouragingly, almost anyone, regardless of common eye conditions or surgeries, is considered eligible to donate. This potential for widespread eligibility has supported life-changing surgeries, as experienced by Bage, whose post-transplant vision he describes as miraculous.
Yet, challenges remain in the sphere of corneal donations in the United States. Despite significant advancements and changes in donation protocols, the FDA continues to uphold controversial policies restricting gay men from donating corneas, despite permitting them to donate blood. Activists rally under the campaign ‘Legalize Gay Eyes’ to advocate for policy revisions, challenging outdated restrictions and striving for inclusiveness in cornea contributions. This ongoing effort reflects broader aims to expand the donor pool further, helping ensure that more individuals can access sight-saving procedures in the future.
