Cornea Transplantation and Eye Donation

Cornea transplantation, also known as keratoplasty, is a surgical procedure where a damaged or diseased cornea is replaced with a healthy donor cornea. The cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye, plays a crucial role in focusing vision. When it becomes cloudy or scarred due to conditions like keratoconus, corneal infections, or injury, vision can be severely impaired. Corneal transplantation restores clarity and improves vision by replacing the affected cornea with a donor graft. There are several types of corneal transplants, including penetrating keratoplasty (PK), where the entire cornea is replaced, and lamellar keratoplasty, where only specific layers are replaced. The success of the procedure depends on factors like the underlying condition, the quality of the donor tissue, and adherence to postoperative care. Advances in surgical techniques and immunosuppressive treatments have significantly improved outcomes, making corneal transplantation a vital intervention for restoring vision in patients with corneal diseases.

Eye donation plays a vital role in cornea transplantation, providing the essential donor tissue required for the procedure. When an individual donates their eyes after death, the corneas can be harvested and preserved for transplantation into patients suffering from corneal blindness or damage. This act of donation can restore sight to individuals who are visually impaired due to conditions like keratoconus, corneal ulcers, or traumatic injuries that have led to scarring.

The process begins with the donor or their family giving consent for eye donation. Once the donation is accepted, the corneas are carefully removed and evaluated for suitability. They are then stored in specialized eye banks, where they are kept under controlled conditions until they are matched with a recipient. Eye donation is time-sensitive, with the corneas ideally being harvested within a few hours after death to ensure the best possible outcome for the recipient.

Corneal blindness is one of the leading causes of visual impairment worldwide, but it is also one of the few forms of blindness that can be cured through transplantation. The generosity of eye donors and their families, coupled with advancements in medical technology, has enabled countless individuals to regain their vision and lead more fulfilling lives. However, there remains a significant gap between the number of corneas needed and those available, highlighting the ongoing need for public awareness and encouragement of eye donation. By pledging to donate their eyes, individuals can leave a lasting legacy, giving the gift of sight to others.

Eligibility : Eye can be donated by any person of any AGE-SEX-CASTE-RELIGION as also those who wear glasses or have undergone cataract or any other eye operations.Eyes can be donated even if they have not been pledged earlier.

Health Conditions: Most health conditions do not prevent eye donation. Even individuals with medical issues like diabetes or hypertension can still donate their eyes. However, those with certain infectious diseases (e.g., HIV, hepatitis) are typically excluded to prevent disease transmission.

The donor need not be taken to the eye bank. The team working for Eye Donation movement comes to receive the eyes from wherever the donor is, at no cost. The donor’s face is not disfigured because of enucleation.Eye can be enucleated preferably within six to eight hours of death.

After enucleation the eyes are sent to the Eye Bank Co-ordination & Research Center for evaluation and further distribution. The eyes are evaluated by trained technicians as per the international standards.The deserving blind patients are called in accordance with the waiting list. Even emergency cases are dealt with in conformity with the guidelines prescribed