Eye Donation Program

Eye Donation Program
Genetic Research for Retinal Degenerations

We are now in the midst of a molecular genetic revolution in which there has been an explosion of knowledge explaining how DNA, the material that make up genes, determines who we are, how we function and whether or not we get certain diseases. Mutations are mistakes in the DNA code that cause diseases or make it more likely that they will occur. The genetic revolution is making it much more feasible to find mutations, including those that occur in complex diseases such as age-related macular degenerations and other retinal disorders. It is possible to find out what effects these mutations have on the retina by examining the retinal cell tissues. Eye donation is extremely important for scientist to discover clues to the behavior of these genetic mistakes. The actual cell tissues must be examined to study the effects of these gene changes on vision.

You can make a difference
You can help us find the cure for macular diseases by making a gift of your eyes at the time of your death. You can make a difference for your children and grandchildren. Your eye donation will be helping over 2 million people that will be afflicted with this disease by the year 2000.

What you can do
The Macular Degeneration Center of The Wilmer Eye Institute will coordinate arrangements with local eye banks to get the precious eye tissue to us. There is no cost to the family for this research.

At the time of death, the donor's family, physician or local eye bank will notify The Maryland Eye Bank Donor Hotline at 800-923-1133. The Maryland Eye Bank will then be sure to expedite the eye tissues to the researchers at The Wilmer Eye Institute.

Please be sure you tell your wishes to your family and ophthalmologist to ensure your eyes will be studied for genetic retinal degenerations.

Who can participate
Anyone who has been diagnosed with a retinal degeneration and their family member who are not affected. Normal eyes are needed to study the difference between the diseased eyes and healthy eyes.

All you need to do is request a brochure from the Wilmer Macular Degeneration Center:

by email: mdc@jhmi.edu

by mail:
The Wilmer Eye Institute
600 N. Wolfe Street, Maumenee 207
Baltimore, Maryland 21287-9228

by telephone: 410-614-6208
by fax: 410-614-7083

Thank you very much!