Alabama Eye Bank’s Donor Program for Age-related Macular Degeneration Research
                                . . . . . Give So Others May See

You Can Make a Difference
Each year thousands of older adults in the United States are told by their doctors that they have age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This condition affects the macula, part of the eye responsible for detailed vision such as reading. Macular degeneration is the major cause of vision loss in people over the age 60, although it does not lead to total blindness. Click here for more information about what AMD is.

Why Donate Eye Tissue?
Scientists know it isn’t enough to study the symptoms of a disease. In order to discover the underlying causes of a medical problem, one must examine the diseased tissue. Important advances in medicine have been made through the generosity of people willing to donate tissue after death. Much of what we know about eye disease comes directly from studying donated eyes. Having access to this tissue helps researchers in search of new treatments answer basic questions.

Who is Eligible?
All adults are eligible to enroll. Your eyes are especially valuable to researchers if you have been diagnosed with macular degeneration. Regardless of your degree of vision, from normal to blind, previous eye surgery, or cause of death, eyes can be donated and will be used. Be sure to tell your family that you want to donate your eyes for research in macular degeneration.

How It Works
At the time of death, the donor’s family, physician, nurse, clergy, or funeral director contacts the Eye Bank. Eye donation does not interfere with funeral arrangements. The Eye Bank then collects the tissue and delivers it to researchers.

For more information regarding eye donation please contact The Alabama Eye Bank.