Of the 11 million blind in India, approximately 3 million require a corneal transplantation for improving their vision. This surgical replacement of the cornea is only possible if we donate our eyes after death. Our selfless eye donation can restore vision for them. This article aims to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding eye donation.
Who is eligible to donate eyes?
Eyes can only be donated after a person’s death, when they are no longer needed. Individuals who wish to donate their eyes after they pass away can pledge them while they are still alive.
Donating one’s eyes ensures someone else can see the world. However, the deceased person’s next of kin must authorize the donation. This is needed even if the individual had pledged to donate their eyes before their death. Similarly, the next of kin can consent to the donation of the deceased’s eyes even if the person did not pledge to donate their eyes before passing away.
Criteria for eye donation
- People of all ages and genders can donate their corneas.
- Wearing spectacles for short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism.
- Previous eye surgery, including cataract surgery.
- Individuals with diabetes, hypertension, asthma can also donate their eyes.
Contraindications for eye donation
If the donor has died due to the following reasons, the eyes cannot be transplanted. These include AIDS, Hepatitis B or C, rabies, septicemia, acute leukemia, tetanus, cholera, meningitis, encephalitis and drowning. However, if the family still wishes to donate the eyes, they can be used for research purposes
How are donated eyes used?
Traditionally, each person who donates their eyes can give the gift of sight to two blind individuals. However, with recent advances in corneal component surgery (in which a specific layer of the cornea is transplanted for a particular indication), one eye can provide sight to up to five patients. When someone donates a pair of eyes, they may enable up to ten sight-saving operations.
All eyes donated to the eye bank are utilized, and records are kept. Eyes that are not medically suitable for corneal transplants may be used for medical research and education. These “unfit” donated eyes aid in the discovery of cures for previously untreatable diseases.
Eye donation, therefore, not only restores vision for the blind, it also enables research for new treatments.
How can I pledge my eyes?
You cannot donate your eyes when alive, but you can pledge that you will do s when you do.
To pledge your eyes, you must fill out a form that is available at major hospitals and eye banks. You can also access the form online through the Eye Bank Association of India’s website, the link to which is provided below. You must discuss your decision with your family since, in the event of your demise, they will need to inform the eye bank immediately. Only then can the eye bank collect the eye donation.
How to register: http://ebai.org/donator-registration/
How can I contact the eye bank?
The centralised phone number for contacting the eye bank in India is 1919. This toll-free number operates throughout all states in India. This helpline is available 24×7, for eye donation requests as well as information about the same. Your local eye bank phone numbers are also available online.
How to prepare for eye donation till the eye bank team arrives?
Preparing for eye donation in the event of a loved one’s death is a very big responsibility. Remember that time is critical for eye donation. So, don’t waste time in calling the eye bank since they can only harvest the eyes for up to six to eight hours after death.
Critical precautions to be taken to preserve eyes for donation
- Close the eyes of the deceased gently, and place a piece of moist cotton over them.
- Raise the head by about six inches with a pillow, to decrease the possibility of bleeding during removal of the eyes.
- Switch off all fans in the resting place of the deceased. It reduces the drying of the eyes and corneas.
- If acceptable to the family, put a plastic cover with few ice cubes on the forehead. This is especially helpful in the summer months.
- If possible instill antibiotic eye drops periodically to prevent infection and drying of the cornea.
- Inform eye bank immediately after getting consent for the eye donation.
What happens during the harvesting of eyes, or eye donation?
A a team of trained personnel, an eye doctor, and a grief counsellor will reach the house or hospital to collect the donation. This team of medical professionals will first talk to the family and take a proper, written, informed consent. Only after that they proceed with the eye donation. They will also ask some questions regarding medical and family history of the donor.
The team will work quickly so as to not delay any funeral arrangements. The process takes less than ten minutes from start to finish. The team will work in privacy to harvest the donated eyes under strict aseptic conditions, very respectfully.
The team realizes and respects the act of altruism, and always are incredibly respectful of the families’ wishes. They clean the area within minutes, and harvest the eyes quickly. They also ensure that the area is cleaned promptly, with minimum inconvenience to the family.
The grief counsellor will help the family with any last minute hesitations and questions. He/she will also thank the family for their act of charity, on behalf of the team. After this, the team will promptly transport the donated tissue to the eye bank. Usually, the waiting list for eye transplants is long, and therefore, most corneas are utilized within three to four days.
Donated corneas can be used for transplant for up to 14 days, but most transplants are carried out promptly because of the extremely long waiting list. The identities of both the donor and the recipient remain confidential.
What about the appearance of the dearly departed soul?
Eye donation does not affect the appearance of the deceased. After harvesting the eyes, the eye doctor places a plastic artificial eye in the socket. He then closes the eyelids. The appearance of the dead body, therefore, is completely unaltered.
Remember, eye donation does not cause any disfigurement of the face or body. It nor does it defile or disrespect the dead in any way at all. In fact, it honours their spirit of generosity and altruism.
