Eye donation

History

In the early days the main reason why Eye Banks were not very successful in India was because of the lack of awareness. Eye transplant in the late 1970s and 1980s in India was a rather complicated affair. Preservation techniques were not very advanced, the ratio of donors to recipients was very poor and modest transport connections between places added to the woes. Many eye banks had been set up but owing to logistic and other inconveniences, these ideas were abandoned almost soon after they had begun.  

Why Pledge your eyes?

Imagine a world of darkness

Can you imagine a world of complete darkness? Eyes are one of the major sensory organs of life. A world without vision is a grim prospect. Think about the life of visually impaired person: you and I can see and enjoy this beautiful world, but they can only touch and feel them. By donating your eyes, you can enlighten the life of two blind persons. This gesture of yours would allow them to come out of darkness and step into a life full of colors. Corneal diseases are the major cause of visual impairment and blindness in a developing country. The only way to reduce blindness is by doing corneal transplant. In a country like India, with the high rates of blindness, there is a huge burden for corneal requirement. The number of corneal transplants performed are much less than the actual requirement due to the insufficient number of corneas collected. You can also make a difference by being a sight ambassador and creating awareness and motivating the families of the bereaved to donate.

Eye donation is simple

Just remember these guidelines

• Age, sex, race or religion is no bar. Keep informed close relatives about your desire to donate.
• Wearing glasses, cataract, certain eye problems of blood group does not affect eye donation.
• On death, inform eye bank immediately.
• The donation must be within 6 hours of death. Close eyes and place wet cotton over lids (to keep cornea moist & healthy).
• Switch off fans.
• Removal takes only about 20 minutes.
• No special room necessary.
• No disfiguration is caused.
• Donated eyes are never sold/used otherwise.
• Two persons gain sight. 2.5 million Indians need sight. Do not deny them life. Spread the message of eye donation.

Who can be an eye donor?

Practically anyone from the age of 1 year. There is no maximum age limit.
Spectacle wearers, persons who had cataract surgery, diabetics and hypertensive individuals can donate eyes.

How do I donate?

The eyes need to be collected within 6 hours of death. So, call the nearest eye bank as early as possible after death.

Things to do after making the call:

• KEEP BOTH EYES OF DECEASED CLOSED AND COVERED WITH MOIST COTTON.
• SWITCH OFF THE OVERHEAD FAN.
• RAISE THE HEAD END OF THE BODY BY ABOUT 6 INCHES, IF POSSIBLE, TO LESSEN THE INCIDENCE OF BLEEDING DURING THE REMOVAL OF THE EYES.

WILL THERE BE ANY DELAY IN FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS?

Eye removal takes under 10 minutes and leaves no visible signs that would interfere with common funeral practices.

Source : Sanakara Eye Hospital

National Eye Donation Fortnight

The National Eye donation fortnight is celebrated every year during August 25 - September 8. The capmpaign is to create awareness and promote the importance of pledging an eye donation. National eye donation fortnight was established by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in 1985. 

The theme for National Eye Donation Fortnight for the year 2024 is ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ which mainly highlights the result of eye donation.

This National Eye Donation Fortnight, make a difference by pledging to donate your eyes.