Eye Donation

Pledging your eyes now and donating them after death is an act of love called eye donation. This act of charity, which transcends age, blood group, and religion, serves society at large. The eyes can be preserved in an eye bank for up to three weeks. Through a simple procedure, corneal transplantation, the cornea from these eyes can provide sight to those with corneal blindness. In our country, corneal blindness has a prevalence rate of 0.9%.

When one person donates their eyes, it can potentially restore vision to more than two blind individuals. This means your eyes can continue to have a meaningful purpose even after your life.

Apply for Eye Donation

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FAQs

What is corneal blindness?

The cornea, which is the clear front surface of the eye, plays a pivotal role in focusing. Vision can be severely compromised or completely lost if the cornea becomes clouded or scarred. This is referred to as corneal blindness.

What are the causes of corneal blindness?

This condition can arise from eye injuries, birth defects, malnutrition, infections, chemical burns, congenital disorders, and complications from eye surgeries.

Who can donate eyes?

• Donors can belong to any age group or gender.
• Those who wear glasses, diabetics, high blood pressure and asthma patients, and those without communicable diseases are eligible.
• Individuals with conditions like AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, Rabies, Septicaemia, Acute leukemia (Blood cancer), Tetanus, Cholera, and infectious diseases like Meningitis and Encephalitis are excluded from donation.

What is an eye bank?

An eye bank is a not-for-profit organization that collects, medically evaluates, and distributes eyes donated by altruistic citizens. The eyes are used for cornea transplants, scleral reconstruction, research, and education. The donated eyes and the donor’s medical history are meticulously evaluated by eye bank personnel in line with the Eye Bank Association of America’s (EBAA) rigorous medical standards.

Who can be an eye donor?

Anyone can be a donor. Conditions like cataract, poor eyesight, and advanced age do not disqualify you. Prospective donors should express their intention on donor cards and driver’s licenses. It's crucial to inform your next of kin about your wish to donate.

Why should eyes be donated?

Donated human eyes and corneal tissue are essential for preserving and restoring sight. They are used for transplantation, research, and education. Over 90% of the more than 41,300 cornea transplant operations conducted annually are successful in restoring vision to those with corneal blindness.

What is a cornea transplant?

This surgical procedure replaces a disc-shaped segment of a damaged cornea with a similar segment from a healthy donor cornea. Over 90% of cornea transplant operations successfully restore the recipient's vision.

How prevalent is cornea transplantation?

Cornea transplants are the most common human transplant procedure. In 1991, there were more cornea transplants than all other organ transplants combined. In the past 30 years, over 500,000 cornea transplants have been performed.

How soon after donation must a cornea be transplanted?

Typically, the cornea transplant is performed within 4 days post-donation, depending on the preservation method.

When does the donation take place?

Eye tissue removal occurs shortly after death, ensuring optimal tissue condition for transplant. The procedure doesn't delay funeral arrangements and allows for an open casket option.

Can the whole eye be transplanted?

No, only the cornea and sclera (white part) can be transplanted. The whole eye is valuable for research on eye diseases and treatment methods.

How is donor suitability determined?

Potential donors undergo rigorous screening for medical suitability and risk factors. Tests for HIV, Hepatitis B, and syphilis are conducted before tissue release. The eye bank prioritizes the safety of potential recipients, its staff, and researchers.

How do research and education benefit from eye donation?

Over 35,000 eyes are used annually for research and education. Only human eyes can be used for research on conditions like glaucoma, retinal disease, and diabetes-related complications. This research paves the way for new treatments and cures.

Are there religious conflicts with eye, organ, or tissue donation?

No. Major religions view donation as a gift of life or sight to others.

Is there any delay in funeral arrangements?

No. Eye tissue is procured swiftly after death, allowing families to proceed with funeral plans.

Will the donor’s family pay or receive any fees?

No, it's illegal to trade in human eyes, organs, and tissues. Any costs related to eye procurement are borne by the eye bank.

Will recipients know the identity of the donor?

No, donor anonymity is strictly maintained by law.

Will the quality of medical care be affected if one is known to be a donor?

Absolutely not. Legal guidelines ensure the physician certifying a patient's death is not involved in any stage of eye procurement or the transplant.

How can I become a donor?

Express your intention to your family and legal representative. Most states require families to be informed about the option of donation after a loved one's demise. Informing your kin of your wishes in advance is crucial. A donor card can serve as an indication of your intention.

You can help…

By deciding to donate eyes and offering someone the invaluable gift of sight. Encourage family members to donate, support eye banks monetarily, and spread awareness about the importance of eye donation.

Facts about eye donation

• Eyes can only be donated after death.
• Eyes must be removed within 4-6 hours post-mortem.
• Only registered medical practitioners can remove eyes.
• A small blood sample will be drawn to rule out communicable diseases.
• Eye removal does not cause disfigurement.
• All religions support eye donation.
• Donor and recipient identities remain confidential.

Important points

To donate eyes, the family of the deceased should:

• Close the deceased's eyelids.
• Turn off any fans.
• Elevate the deceased's head using a pillow.
• Contact the nearest eye bank promptly.
• Provide a precise address and contact number.
• If available, keep the death certificate ready.
• Written consent from the next of kin is required for eye donation.

After eye donation…

The donor's family receives a certificate of appreciation. The eyes are taken to the eye bank, where they are evaluated. They are then sent to a corneal surgeon, who performs the transplant. The recipient's progress is monitored to ensure a successful graft.

Services of the eye bank

• 24/7 availability of trained staff.
• Evaluation and provision of quality corneas.
• Public awareness campaigns on eye donation.
• Training for doctors in eye removal procedures.
• Development of a network of eye donation centers.