What is Eye Donation?
Eye Donation means donating the eyes of a person after death for transplantation.
What is Cornea?
The Cornea is the clear transparent tissue covering the front of the eye. It
is often likened to a watch glass.
What is corneal blindness?
Opacity of the cornea (which is a transparent tissue in front of the coloured
portion of eye) leading to loss of vision is known as Corneal Blindness.
What are the causes of Corneal Blindness
Who can be an eye donor?
Anyone can be a donor irrespective of age, sex or blood group.
Do religious authorities approve of donating one’s
eyes?
Yes, all religious faiths support this vital sight restoration gesture.
Is the whole eye used for transplant?
No, only the thin transparent layer in front of the iris i.e. the cornea is
used for transplant.
Does eye donation disfigure the donor’s face?
No, the removal of eyes does not produce disfigurement nor does it interfere
with the customary funeral arrangements.
Does the human body reject the transplanted donor’s
cornea?
Diseased corneas develop blood vessels and the risk of rejection increases.
What about diabetes or hypertension?
Donors with these conditions can donate their eyes. Even spectacles wearers
and Cataract operated patients can donate eyes.
Who cannot donate eyes?
Donors suffering from HIV, Hepatitis, Rabies, and Septicemia cannot donate their
eyes.
How will my donations be used?
After the eyes are removed, they will be evaluated and graded, processed, screened
and if suitable then distributed to the eye surgeon for transplant.
Is there any use for corneas, which for some reason
not used for transplant?
Corneas that for technical or medical reasons cannot be used for sight restoration
(Optical purposes) are invaluable for eye saving research. They can also be
used to train newer surgeons.
Is it necessary to transport the donor to the hospital
after death?
No, the Eye bank has a team which will come to the donor’s home or hospital
and remove the eyes. The procedure takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
How can I pledge to donate my eyes?
You can fill in a pledge card and send it to the nearest eye bank. It is preferable
that all members of a family pledge together, but individuals can also pledge.
Two witnesses, including a near relative (parents in the case of a minor pledger)
must sign. You will be registered and notified of the name, address and telephone
number of the eye bank nearest to you.
What can you do?
What you can do when someone passes away?