Here, you will get to know more about Eye donation, it’s Importance and the procedure involved.

»  What is Eye Donation and How is this helpful?

Eye donation is donating the eyes after a person’s death. Eyes are very valuable part of a human being, which should not be wasted either by burning or burying the body.
Donation of the eyes gives sight to TWO Corneally blind persons, enabling them to come out of their dark and dreary life into a life full of colors, a life where they can see and enjoy this beautiful world!

“Eyes are a precious gift to a person. But the same eyes
bring misery when misused or when they are lost.
A wise man utilizes that gift while alive and on death too”

- A famous poet.

»  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. Eyes which cannot be used for corneal transplantation are used for research and education purposes. Eyes have to be removed within six hours after death.

»  Facts about eye donation

• Eyes can be donated only after death

• Eyes must be removed within 4 - 6 hours after death

• Only a Registered Medical Practitioner can remove eyes from a deceased.

• The eye bank team will remove the eyes from the home of the deceased or

from a hospital

• Eye removal does not delay the funeral since the entire procedure

takes 20-30 minutes only

• A small quantity of blood will be drawn to rule out communicable diseases

• Eye retrieval does not cause disfigurement

• Religions are for eye donation

• The identities of both the donor and the recipient are kept confidential

»  Important points
To donate eyes, the relatives of the deceased should do the following procedures

• Close the eyelids of the deceased

• Switch off the fan

• Raise the head of the deceased slightly by placing a pillow underneath

• Contact the nearest eye bank as quickly as possible

• Give the correct address with specific landmarks and telephone number to

enable the eye bank team locate the place easily

• If the death certificate from the physician is available, keep it ready

• Eye donation can be done only with the written consent of the next

of kin in the presence of two witnesses

For more information visit www.ebai.org or any of the other eye banks.

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