For Immediate Release March 23, 2000 For More Information Contact: Rusty Kelly, Education Coordinator (202) 775-4999

Eye Bank Association of America Releases 1999 Statistical Report

The Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) has announced the release of its statistical report on eye banking for 1999. The total number of corneal grafts reported to the Association by member banks were 45,765 an increase of 1% (186 corneas) from 1998. The following eye banks reported the highest number of corneal transplants.

The report is a compilation of information provided by 83 U.S. and 10 international eye banks to the EBAA, and reflects an essentially complete picture of eye banking activity in the United States.

In 1999, the number of total of donors decreased while the total number of corneal grafts increased by 1%, the smallest increase in over ten years. The number of penetrating keratoplasties performed for pseudophakic corneal edema (PCE), the most common recipient diagnosis, has continued to decrease over the past ten years. Corneal defects (39%) and Donor History (23%) were the leading contraindications for transplantation., The amount of tissue offered for research decreased by 5% in 1999.

The Eye Bank Association of America, established in 1961, is the oldest national transplantation association. The EBAA is dedicated to the restoration of sight through the promotion and advancement of eye banking. It has led the transplantation field with the establishment of medical standards for the procurement and distribution of eyes. These standards have been used as models by other transplantation organizations. Member eye banks operate in over 150 locations in 43 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Australia that make possible more than 45,000 sight restoring transplants annually. To obtain a copy of the 1999 Eye Banking Statistical Report call the EBAA at 202-775-4999 or visit our website at www.restoresight.org.