CLIPBOARD : Eyes Have It

Eye donations in Orange County are for two purposes: transplants and research. According to Merle Wingate, director of the Orange County Eye Bank, corneal transplantation is 95% successful for those undergoing the procedure due to corneal disorders. And nearly all corneas are acceptable for donation regardless of vision abnormalities. Whole eye globes are used in research, teaching and transplantation.

During the last five years, donations for both transplantation and research have moved up and down. Based on the first three months of this year, the 1991 total for transplants would reach 592, or an 18% increase above last year. In the case of research, the total annualizes to 392, or 21% more than last year.

Here’s the five-year trend:

% Change from % Change from Total Year Transplants Previous Year Research Previous Year Donations 1991 ** 148 * 98 * 246 1990 501 -24 325 +31 826 1989 660 -4 249 +19 909 1988 691 +33 209 -19 900 1987 521 -- 258 -- 779

** Through March 31 * Annualized totals for transplants would be 592; for research 392. Source: Orange County Eye Bank