There Is Only One Way To Live After Your Death Donate Your Eyes
The eye is one of the most complex and important sensory organs in the human body. It provides the ability to see in both bright and dim light, focusing on objects both near and far. Its three types of cone cells are able to distinguish millions of distinct colors and produce the high quality images that the body relies on for many daily activities.
“LET SOME ONE SEE THE BEAUTY THROUGH YOUR EYES”
Do you know that we can light the life of a blind person by donating our eyes after our death?
In India, we have an estimated 4.6 million people with corneal blindness that is curable through corneal transplantation made possible by eye donation. More than 90% of the corneal transplantation is carried out successfully and helps restore vision in people with corneal blindness. Corneal transplantation in infants born with cloudy cornea can make a big difference to their lives.
Who can be eye donors?
Anyone from the age of one. There is no age-limit for donating the eye. All one needs to do is bequeath his or her eyes by taking a simple pledge to donate the eyes after death. While taking a pledge during ones lifetime itself is a noble deed, it requires the support of the relatives or friends to carry out the wishes of eye donation of the deceased. People using spectacles and those diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension can donate their eyes.
Can the next of kin consent to a donation if the deceased person has not signed an eye donation form?
Yes, the relatives of the deceased can decide on donating the eyes of their beloved one.
Whom should we contact to donate eyes?
Eyes need to be removed within six hours after death and so it is important to get in touch with your nearest eye bank at the earliest.
Please remember the following after making the call to the eye bank for eye donation-
- Keep the eyes of the deceased closed and covered with moist cotton.
- Switch off the ceiling fan, if any, directly over the deceased person
- If possible, apply antibiotic eye drops periodically in the deceased’s eyes
to reduce the chance of any infection. - Raise the head of the deceased by about six inches, if possible, to reduce the
chances of bleeding at the time of removal of the eyes
Who cannot donate their eyes?
Death due to unknown causes. People who die due to infections such as rabies, syphilis, infectious hepatitis, septicemia, and AIDS, cannot donate.
What is a cornea?
The cornea is the clear, transparent layer in front of the “black portion” of the eye. It is also the main focusing surface, which converges light rays as they enter the eye to focus on the retina. It is thus the most important part of the optical apparatus of the Eye. Loss of transparency directly results in loss of vision.
How does a cornea become opaque?
- Infection
- Injuries
- Malnutrition
- Congenital/Hereditary
- Iatrogenic (Malpractice, Improper Post-operative care after any eye surgery)
What is corneal transplantation?
A Corneal transplant is an operation that replaces the opaque cornea with a clear cornea obtained from a human donor.
Are there any religious conflicts in eye donation?
There are no religious conflicts on eye donation. Eye donation gives a gift of sight to others. As such, it is consistent with beliefs and attitudes of all major religious and ethical traditions.
Will eye donation cause delays in funeral arrangement?
No, it has to be performed within six hours and leaves no disfigurement that will interfere with common funeral practices.
Is the whole eye of the donor transplanted?
No, only the cornea is transplanted. However, the rest of the eye is used for research and education purposes.
Can a person who is blind due to retinal or optic nerve disease donate his eyes?
Yes, provided the cornea of the donor is clear.
Can a living person donate his eyes?
No, donation from living persons is not accepted.
Will the recipient be informed of the donor’s details?
No, the gift of sight is made anonymously.
How long will you take to reach?
Our team is trained to leave the hospital within 15 minutes from the time of the call and depending on the distance, will reach within a maximum of one hour.