Transplant campaigners warn that people needing eye ops face long waits because they are the organs we are least likely to donate.
Hospitals request corneas stored in NHS Blood and Transplant eye banks around the country and about 100 are issued every week.
Demand means there needs to be an average 350 in storage at any one time but the figure is currently 279 – a 20% shortfall.
Quizzed on attitudes to donation, 44% of people said the cornea – the transparent covering outside of the eye – is the thing they are least likely to donate.
And just 42% said they would consent to giving a loved one’s eyes. This compared with only 4% who would not donate their heart and lungs, and 2% their kidneys or liver.
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Some 52% told YouGov they feel eyes are too personal and 33% said it makes them feel squeamish.
But when made aware of the shortage of corneas, 51% changed their mind to say they would be “likely” to donate.
Dr Neil Ebenezer, director at charity Fight for Sight, said: “We want to raise awareness of the precious gift you can give by donating your eyes. A corneal transplant can transform someone’s life.
“However, every year there aren’t enough corneas to meet the need.”
Rabia Abdul-Hakim has eye condition keratoconus, which severely damaged her sight.
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The 46-year-old, of Stratford-upon-Avon, has had a corneal transplant on one eye and is awaiting surgery on the other.
She said: “I’m grateful to the person who donated their eyes and I often think of them. It has restored some of my sight and the second transplant will make all the difference for me.”
Max and Keira’s Law had Royal Assent last month after a three-year campaign by the Daily Mirror. It means consent to donate will be presumed unless someone opts out.
However, bereaved relatives will still be able to veto transplants.
