മലയാളം

Eyes are a very valuable part of human body. Donating a dead person’s eyes can give sight to two visually impaired people.

More than 12.7 million people suffer from corneal blindness globally. Of there more than 80% can be treated.

Cornea replacement by donor cornea is one such method of restoring sight to a blind person.

Your Vision can light Someone’s Life:

  • You Can perform this ‘miracle’ by donating your eyes after death, to the nearest Eye Bank.
  • After the Eyes are acquired and processed, they will be supplied to eye surgeons who will transplant the corneal tissue into the eye of a person suffering from blindness due to corneal disease.
  • No eye is ever wasted. Eyes that for technical reasons may not be used for corneal transplants are invaluable for research.
  • Currently, the availability of donor eyes does not meet the demand.
  • Any person can be an eye donor. Poor eye sight and age make no difference. However persons younger than 18 years must have the authorization of their parents or guardian.
  • All major religious faiths have given their approval and support to this vital sight restoration programme.
  • Removal of donated eyes does not produce disfigurement, nor does it interfere with customary funeral arrangements.
  • At present only the Cornea can be transplanted, other portions may be used in repairs & for vital research.
  • Eyes should be removed as soon as possible within 4-6 hours after death. The fresh tissue should use preferably with in 3 days.
  • It is against medical ethics to buy or sell donated eyes.
  • While it can be mentioned in your will, your signed and witnessed donor card is all that is needed. This card should be carried on your person at all times. You Should tell your next of kin, family physician and close relatives of your decision to donate your eyes to ensure their co-operation.
  • Acquaint others with our programme. We will gladly supply brochures and any other assistance necessary.

WHO CAN DONATE EYES:

  • A person of any age, religion, cast, creed, and color can donate eyes even if he is suffering from Diabetes, Hypertension, there systemic disorders.
  • Persons who have undergone surgery for Cataract, Glaucoma or are using Spectacles can also pledge and donate their eyes.
  • Immediate family members or relatives can donate the eyes of the deceased even if the deceased had not pledged for eye donation during his/her life time.
  • All religions endorse and encourage the practice of eye donation.

WHO CANNOT DONATE EYES:

        Eyes cannot be collected if death occurred due to the following diseases.

  • AIDS / Hepatitis B / Septicemia / Sepsis. Viral Infection spread through bloodstream affecting vital organs.
  • Leukemia: Disease related to Bone Marrow.
  • Rabies: Fatal viral disease, transmitted by the bite of warm-blooded animals like dogs.
  • Cancer with Metastasis to Head and Neck: Transmission of pathogenic micro organisms/cancerous cells through blood vessels.
  • Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain
  • Brain conditions like prion d/s , Creutzfeldt Jacob d/s etc
  • Hodgkin’s Lymphoma: Cancerous growth of cells in the Lymph system of the body.

HOW TO PLEDGE / DONATE EYES:

  • A prospective donor can walk into the nearest eye hospital with a donor registry and pledge his/her eyes for donation. For this, a pledge form needs to be filled in and signed by the donor and also signed by a witness (could be a relative or friend) and given back to the hospital.
  • In the event of that person’s death, his/her relative/friend, who was a witness or any other family member who had the knowledge that the person who passed away intended to donate the eyes, should call the nearest hospital.

CARE TO BE TAKEN BEFORE SURGERY:

  • Call the nearest hospital within six hours of death ofa person.
  • Switch off fans & keep AC on, if available.
  • Close the eye lids gently and keep a moist cloth or wet cotton ball over eyes. Rest a deceased person’s head on a pillow.
  • Keep death certificate signed by the doctor, ready
  • There is no charge for this simple surgery. It is totally free of cost.
  • Only cornea portion is removed and hence face is not disfigured.
  • Eyes can be donated to any eye bank in India but preferably to the nearest eye bank to avoid delays.
  • Eye donation of a person can benefit two visually impaired persons.
  • Filling eye donation form does not legally bind you to donate. It can be disregarded anytime.
Sreenethra Eye Care aspires to help you in this noble deed of eye donation. Your gift shall help another person see with your eyes long after your are gone. The light lives on.