Eyes are the precious windows to the world outside. Living life surrounded by darkness forever is unimaginable for most people.
But there are many ,who are reeling in such darkness all over the world. They live with hope that someday this black veil will be lifted off. They hope that some day, some good samaritan, on leaving this world, would hand over to them something which is of no use to them any more i.e. their EYES.
It is true. Eye donation by deceased donors shines a beacon of hope in the hearts of the millions of corneal blind people all over tbe world.
Cornea is the clear transparent tissue covering the front of the eye. Since it allows the entry of light into the eye, it should remain transparent at all times. If it does not because of injury, infection or any other disease, sight is significantly and even permanently damaged.
Restoring eyesight in such patients needs transplantation from donor corneas. Eyes need to be donated within 6 to 8 hours of death. They are removed by trained staff and does not require more than 20 minutes. The face is not disfigured. A small blood sample is collected too at that time for requisite tests.
Almost everyone can donate their eyes irrespective of age, gender or whether their eyes are pledged or not.
Next of the kin can take a decision and can give written consent for it.
In the event of death, the nearest eyebank needs to be informed immediately. The fans should be switched off, head should be raised with a pillow and wet cotton should be placed over the Donor’s eyes.
The eyebank team visits the home of the deceased to remove the eyes. So proper information with address, landmarks and telephone number should be given to them.
Eyebanks have waiting lists ready of needy patients. One donor gives sight to two such people. The transplantation is best done within four days of donation.
Persons wearing glasses, diabetes and hypertensive patients, cataract operated patients etc. can donate their eyes too. Those suffering from AIDS, Rabies, Septicaemia, Encephalitis, Meningitis etc. cannot donate their eyes. One of the greatest gifts one can ever give is the gift of sight. It truly lights up lives.
Eye donation fortnight is being celebrated from August 25 to September 8 by the National Programme of Control of Blindness and Visual Impairment all over India.
Dr. Sapna Deb Sarkar,
Nodal Officer,
N.P.C.B.&V.I.
National Health Mission,
Meghalaya. Shillong.
