Why do I donate my Eyes?

Corneal Blindness is one of the most common causes of blindness in India and our country shoulders the largest burden of global blindness.

A corneal transplant is the replacement of damaged or diseased tissues or organs with healthy replacements. In this procedure, an ophthalmologist surgically replaces the diseased cornea with a healthy one.

When I donate my eyes and encourage my family, friends and people I interact with to donate their eyes, I bring in a possibility of change in the situation in India and we can bring light into the life of the deprived.

Image courtesy: netradaan.blogspot.com

According to World Health Organization (WHO) calculations, there are about 10 lakh blind and visually disabled persons in India alone – this number could double by the year 2020 unless immediate interventions are made.

Of these 10 lakh, nearly 2 lakh persons have Corneal blindness.

Of these 1.4 lakh can be treated through corneal transplant.

Approximately 20,000 cases are being added annually and

ONLY 20,000 corneas are collected through eye donations annually

ONLY 50% of the donated eyes can be used

As of now we need 1.4 lakh corneas in India to combat Corneal Blindness

As a result, the patient line-up and wait to get a corneal transplant keeps getting longer with each passing day.

Image courtesy: aliseyecare.com

The cost of corneal transplant, in addition to unavailability for corneas, makes it practically impossible for the underprivileged to access these medical remedies.

Corneal transplant must be provided free of charge to those in greatest need.

Patients with corneal blindness can be visually rehabilitated only through transplanting their damaged or disease-affected corneas with healthy corneal tissues, obtained from voluntary donors.

Corneal problems can happen to anyone at any age.

Eye donations are hindered by lack of awareness and traditional beliefs and I strive to change that.

SO I PLEDGE TO DONATE MY EYES, DO YOU?

Eye Donation

The greatest pleasure comes from giving sight to a blind person. Imagine the world of a person who cannot see. It’s usually a world without hope. But for some of these carnally blind persons, there is still hope. And this hope comes eye donation, since what’s being donated is useless to the donor after death.

You have the power to bring immense joy by giving sight to the blind.

Why:

In India, we have an estimated 4.6 million people with corneal blindness that is curable through corneal transplant that’s possible by eye donation. More than 90% of the corneal transplants are carried out successfully and help restore vision in people with corneal blindness. Corneal transplant in infants born with cloudy cornea can make a massive difference to their lives.

Corneal Blindness:

What is Corneal Blindness? Cornea is the transparent skin cover at the front of the eye. It is like the windscreen of a car; if damaged, vision is lost.

How:

By replacing the damaged cornea with a good cornea, these carnally blind persons can gain vision and see again.

Causes:

Eye infections, eye injuries and malnutrition, if not attended to in time, cause blindness. A very large percentage of carnally blind are children belonging to poor families.

Eye donation and restoration of sight through corneal transplant is an exciting combination of selfless charity and the miracle of medical technology.

Facts about eye donation:

Eyes should be donated within 6-8 hours of death.
Anyone can be a donor, irrespective of age, sex, blood-group or religion.
Total removal time is about 15-20 minutes.
Spectacle wearers, hypertensive and diabetics can also donate their eyes.
There is no disfigurement caused to the donor’s face.
Eyes can be donated even if the deceased had not formally pledged their eyes during their lifetime.
The eye bank team will immediately reach the donor’s home to collect the eyes and this service is free.
Eyes are never bought or sold.
All religions endorse eye donation. 

Myths about eye donation:

Face/body will be disfigured.
Will be born blind in the next birth.
Will not be able to see God. 

Contraindications for corneal transplantation:

Active Viral Hepatitis
Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) or HIV
Active Viral Encephalitis or Encephalitis of unknown origin
Rabies
Active Septicemia
Retinoblastoma
Leukemia and Lymphoma 

Conclusions:

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