A WEE COUNTY man has spoken about the importance of organ donation after undergoing complex eye surgery in a bid to avoid total loss of vision.

William Gow, from Sauchie, went under the knife last month for an endothelial corneal graft on his right eye using donated tissue.

The procedure includes the removal of all or part of a damaged cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye, and replacing it with healthy donor tissue.

He told the Advertiser: "I couldn't see out of my right eye. It was blurred, sometimes black, and just deteriorated over time.

"They tried to put an implant lens in first, but it didn't help. Then, I had laser eye treatment and it didn't work either.

"After that, I got a letter telling me that I had been offered a donated cornea."

The 77-year-old had the procedure carried out on August 13, which required him to lie on his back for 24 hours, and should be fully healed by March next year.

He added: "At the moment, my vision is great. I can see the jack when I'm bowling now."

Eye conditions which require corneal grafts are more common amongst the elderly, with the number of grafts predicted to rise in the coming years due to an ageing population.

In the past year, cornea donation has doubled within Forth Valley after a new scheme was set up by a doctor in the emergency department at Forth Valley Royal Hospital which involved prompt cards.

When asked about the topic of organ donation, William said: "I would encourage more people to do it now, definitely.

"I'm going for a check-up again in three months, so I'll be signing up to be an organ donor then. I'll be leaving my eyes to someone else."

If you wish to join the NHS Organ Donor Register, visit organdonationscotland.org or alternatively call 0300 123 2323.