Eye donation is one of the noblest acts of charity. It has been a boon to millions of people with corneal blindness. One small act of kindness can help these people to see the colourful world around us. The donation of eyes from one individual can save the sight of four people. But, sadly, only 5% of corneal transplants are met. This shortfall is largely due to the many myths surrounding eye donation.
Read the full article to know the myths & facts behind eye donation and change your perspective on a humane act.
Why is Eye Donation Important?
Millions of people are blind and need your help to see the world. Visual impairment is a major concern across the globe. After Glaucoma and cataract, corneal blindness is the major cause of blindness. It is curable with the treatment called corneal transplant. Like any other body organ, the eye’s cornea can be donated after death to provide vision to the blind. However, due to a lack of awareness, religious belief, social pressure, etc., the noble act has yet to be considered important in the country.
People suffering from corneal blindness can have their vision restored using donated eyes. The cornea is the transparent tissue that covers the front of the eye. If it is compromised, vision will be diminished or lost. In such circumstances, vision can be restored with a simple procedure known as keratoplasty, which involves replacing the cornea. Till now, the only solution for corneal blindness is corneal replacement.
Myths & Facts for Eye Donation
Myths for Eye Donation
- Myth 1: Eye donation will disfigure the donor’s face
- Myth 2: Only people with perfect vision can donate their eyes
- Myth 3: Indian donors are not suitable
- Myth 4: Eyes can be bought or sold
- Myth 5: I am too old to donate my eyes
- Myth 6: Eye donation is a complicated process
- Myth 7: Pledging Eyes Before Death
As per religious belief, eye donation leads to the disfigurement of the face as the whole eyes are removed from the body leaving holes like the eye socket. But the reality is that only the cornea is removed from the eyes and the entire eye remains intact in the body.
If you are diagnosed with some eye disorder but have taken treatment that leads to good vision you can donate your eyes.
There is a common misperception that Indian donors’ eyes are unsuitable for corneal transplantation. Once the eyeballs have been checked for eligibility, they can be transplanted. The quality of the cornea remains unaffected by age, nationality, race, caste, or eye colour.
Eye donation is a complete act of charity. No money is involved in the procedure as it is an act to help humans.
The minimum age to donate eyes is 1 year. Any person older than a year can take a pledge to donate eyes.
Eye donation is not a complicated process and it takes only 15-20 minutes to complete the procedure.
The donor doesn’t need to pledge before death. A deceased person’s family or relatives can also act as volunteers for the eye donation process.
Facts Behind the Eye Donation
Everyone should know some common facts before pledging for an eye donation. These are as follows:
Eyes can only be donated after death. Eyes must be removed within 4-6 hours of death.
Anyone, regardless of age, sex, religion, or country, can donate eyes.
People who wear spectacles, have diabetes, hypertension, or have had cataract surgery can also donate their eyes.
Only a professional doctor can remove the eyes.
Eye removal takes only 10-15 minutes and does not disrupt the funeral proceedings.
Eye removal does not cause facial deformities.
The identity of the donor and the beneficiary are kept private and not disclosed.
One donor can provide vision to four blind people.
Eye donation is free of charge.
Eye donation does not concern the other ailments of the deceased person.
Donated eyeballs unsuitable for transplantation can be used in medical research and teaching.
How To Pledge Your Eyes For Donation
Locate the nearest eye bank and contact the concerned authority to pledge your eyes for donation. Once you fill out the pledging form you will get the donor card. Inform your family and friends about the eye pledging and keep all the documents related to the eye donation.
Conclusion
MM Joshi Eye Institute Hubli has participated in this charitable act and works for humanity. The eye hospital has successfully performed more than 3600 sight-restoring corneal grafting surgeries have been done so far. These Corneal grafting surgeries are on a charitable basis.
Open Eyes, Open Hearts: Donate Today
FAQs
Eyes should be donated within 6-8 hours of death. Anyone can donate, regardless of age, gender, blood group, or religion. Anyone with a cataract or spectacles can donate eyes. People with hypertension and diabetes can also donate their eyes.
The cornea removed during eye donation is used to treat corneal blindness. An individual can help the four people by eye donation.
Yes, you can donate your eyes following LASIK surgery. LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) surgery involves reshaping the cornea to correct vision. It does not impair the deeper portions of the eye, such as the retina, lens, or sclera, all used in eye donations. However, the eye specialist can provide detailed information about the LASIK & Eye donation.
Around 0.3 to 0.4% of the total people who died in the country donated their eyes. In India, we have approximately 1.1 million people suffering from corneal blindness which can only be treated with corneal transplantation.
To donate your eyes you can contact the nearest eye bank, register by filling out the application form and get a donor card. Inform all your relatives and friends about your pledge.
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