- Any one can donate eyes.
- Persons having cataract and Glaucoma as well as persons who are operated for cataract and Glaucoma can donate eyes.
- Person having high power glasses (high number) can donate his/her eyes.
- People dying of cancer, AIDS, hepatitis, can also donate eyes. However, these eyes will not be used for transplantation purpose. They are utilized for research.
How do eye banks function?
- In the eye banks, eye balls donated after death are kept in cold storage.
- Within 48 hours penetrating keratoplasty surgery is done.
- Once we get the Eye balls these patients are called according to priority.
Beneficiaries of Keratoplasty
- Patients having corneal problems are benefited from Keatoplasty
Important instructions regarding Eye Donation
- If you wish to donate eyes, kindly register your name with the eye bank, so that your relatives being aware, will follow the procedure. However, it it not a legal requirement.
- Relatives should contact the eye bank as early as possible (immediately) after death.
- If the dying person has not expressed a wish to donate eyes, the next of kin of the dead person can take the decision to donate eyes.
- After death ensure that eyes are closed.
- Switch off all the fans in the room.
- Keep moist cotton pad on the eyes.
- By following the above instructions corneas of the deceased remain in good condition.
- It is necessary to remove the eyes within 4 hours of death.
- Death certificate of the donor is mandatory.
- The procedure for eye donation requires 25 to 30 minutes. - 2 to 3 cc of blood for HIV & related tests will also be collected.
Remember
- There is no deformity of the face after eye donation. Our Doctors take utmost care while doing this procedure & the donor is treated with highest respect.
- The entire eye ball cannot be transplanted. Only the cornea is utilized.