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Some frequently asked questions about EYE DONATION

Who can be eye donors?
Any good-minded human being from the age of z year can be a donor without any maximum limit for donating the eye. All one needs to do is bequeath his or her eyes by taking a simple pledge to donate the eye 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. They need to call up the Eye Bank immediately as the eye need to be removed within a maximum of six hours of death. People using spectacles, diabetes and hypertensives can make eye donation.

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 the eye donation of their beloved one.

How to make the eye donation?
The relatives of the deceased person can donate the eyes of their beloved ones immediately after the death. As explained already, the eyes need to be collected within six hours of death.

Who cannot donate their eyes?
Death due to unknown causes. Death due to infections caused viz. rabies, syphilis, infectious hepatitis, septicemia, and AIDS, cannot be a donor.

What is a cornea?
The cornea is the clear, transparent dome 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
• Iatrogenic (Malpractice, Improper Post-op. care after any eye surgery)
• Malnutrition
• Congenital/Hereditary.

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 life or 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, Eye removal is performed within half an hour after death and leaves no disfiguring, that would 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.

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