Eye, a gifted organ to all living beings on earth from God helps to see the beautiful creations of the almighty. Preserving this treasure should be one’s prime concern.
It is depressing to witness the fate of those who lead a life in darkness due to loss of vision either at birth or due to some accidents. Cornea in the eye helps us to see the world. Shocking revelations of blind statistics in India is in rise every year. Still, this rising curve would decline through eye donation to the needy. Yes, the medical science has proven that blindness can be resolved through corneal transplantation. But this reality is possible only through eye donation – cornea of the deceased person can be removed and transplanted into a person suffering from vision loss, through corneal transplantation. Eye donation is a noble deed where one can register their eyes for donation after life and be immortal looking into world through another person, rather than letting it decayed or burnt into ashes. Though many have a kind heart to help his fellow being, mind may hinder his noble action, because there are certain myths about eye donation which needs over ruled and government should improvise its initiative to educate the nation on eye donation.
This article clarifies certain myths prevailing about eye donation.
- Donating eye does not disfigure the face as only the cornea is removed.
- Religion and religious beliefs never bar the noble act of eye donation.
- Anyone can donate eyes irrespective of age, blood group, medical conditions such as poor eyesight and those wearing spectacles, diabetes and hypertension, an operated eye for cataracts, glaucoma, retinal problems etc.,
- Corneal removal is done only from a deceased person with consent of his family members though he has registered for eye donation during his lifetime. So, one should educate and convince family members for his noble sacrifice as his decision would help two persons to see the world.
- Corneal removal procedure takes only 15 to 20 minutes thus not delaying any customary rites and rituals.
- There is a myth that Indian donors may not be suitable for eye donation. But, it should be borne in mind that eye donation is beyond caste, race, religion and nationality
Here are some quick bytes about eye donation procedure and corneal transplantation.
- Contact eye banks to complete the formalities of pledging your eyes as a donor.
- Keep your family members and your legal advisor informed about your decision.
- Your family members can a take a decision though you have not pledged your eyes during your lifetime.
- Close the eyelids of the donor and place a moist cloth on the eyes. Switch off the fan. Air conditioner can be on until eye bank team arrives.
- Raise the head 6 inches above by placing couple of pillows.
- Corneal removal should happen within six hours.
- Removed cornea are preserved by the eye bank.
- Certain medical evaluations procedures are done by the eye banks before they send the eye for cornea replacement surgeries.
- Also referred as corneal grafting, corneal transplantation is a replacement of the diseased cornea with the donor cornea called as grafting. Whole Cornea replacement known as penetrating keratoplasty and partial corneal transplantation known as lamellar keratoplasty are possible.
- Corneal replacement surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure under local or General anaesthesia depending on patient’s medical conditions.
- Associated risks such infections and tissue adaptation may occur even two years after cornea replacement surgery.
- But, these risks can be handled proactively through antibiotics.
So, let’s join hands to spread the awareness of eye donation, a noble deed of lightening the life of an individual breaking the myths of eye donation.