Eye Donation

Introduction to eye donation :

• • Eye donation is donation of our eyes after death so that our eyes can give light to a blind person’s life.
• • Eye donation and restoration of sight through corneal transplant is a very exciting combination of selfless charity and the miracle of medical technology.
• • Eyes are very precious and they cannot be wasted either through burying or burning; instead it can be re-used! Eyes are so important to every human on earth that we all are here because we are able to see!
• • The two eyes of a donated person will go to two different Corneally blind individuals; so through our eyes, 2 blind people will get to see this world!

Frequently asked question

Who can donate eyes?

• • Families can donate the eyes of their dear departed even if it has not been pledged before

Eye donation facts

• • Anyone can be a donor, irrespective of age, sex, blood group or religion. One cornea is grafted to one person.
• • Eyes must be removed within 6 hrs after death and so it is important to contact nearest eye bank immediately.
• • The eye bank team will remove the eyes at the home of the deceased or at the hospital.
• • If the person who died has not taken the eye donation pledge, the relatives can decide on donating the eyes.
• • One pair of eyes gives vision to Two corneal blind people.
• • All religions endorse Eye Donation.
• • Donation from living personas is not accepted.
• • There will be no disfigurement of the face of the donor
• • Eyes which are not medically suitable for transplant may be used for medical research and education purpose.
• • Eye bank comes under Human Organ Transplant Act, and is given registration after inspection by competent authorities.

Myths about eye donation

• • Face / body will be disfigured
• • Will be born blind in the next month.
• • Will not be able to see God.
• • Whole eye ball is removed
• • It will delay funeral arrangements.
• • Aged people cannot donate eyes
• • Corneal transplantation is just an experimental procedure

Precautions to Preserve the eyes

• • Close the eyes of the deceased and place moist cotton over them.
• • Raise the head about 6 inches with a pillow to lessen incidence of bleeding during removal of the eyes.
• • Fans should be switched off.
• • Inform eye bank immediately.

Contraindications for Eye donation

• • Active viral Hepatitis
• • Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or HIV
• • Active viral encephalitis or encephalitis of unknown origin
• • Creutzfeldt – Jakob Disease
• • Rabies
• • Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
• • Active septicemia (bacteremia, fungemia, viremia)
• • Active visible infection tumours of the eyes.
• • Fever more than 10 days of unknown origin
• • Retinoblastoma
• • Laser photo ablation surgery
• • Leukemia and Lymphoma

Conclusions

• • Pledge to donate your eyes.
• • Make it a family tradition.
• • Motivate and educate others about eye donation
• • Motivate the next of kin of the deceased person to donate their eyes.