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.