Eye Donation - Gift of Sight

FAQS (Frequently asked Questions):

1. What is corneal blindness?:

Cornea is the clear mirror like front surface of the eye. It is like a “window” which allows light to enter the eye. Vision could be markedly reduced or lost if the cornea becomes cloudy or scarred. This condition is known as corneal blindness. It can occur due to various causes such as injury to the eye, birth defects, malnutrition, infections, chemical burns, congenital disorders and complications of eye surgery.

2. Who can donate eyes?

Eye donors could be of any age group or sex.
People with diabetics, high blood pressure, asthma and those without communicable diseases can donate eyes.
People who use spectacles or after cataract surgery can also donate eyes.
Persons with AIDS, Hepatitis B and C, Rabies, Septicemia, Acute leukemia (Blood cancer), Tetanus, Cholera, and infectious diseases like Meningitis and Encephalitis cannot donate eyes.

3. Is the whole eye used for transplant?

No. Only the thin transparent layer called the cornea is used for transplant.

4. Do religious authorities approve of donating one's eyes?

Yes. All religious faiths support this important sight restoration program.

5. What is a cornea transplant?

Cornea transplant is the surgical procedure which replaces a disc-shaped segment of an impaired cornea with a similarly shaped piece of a healthy donor cornea.

6. Do we need donor match or blood match for cornea donation?

No there is no matching required as cornea is an avascular tissue.

6. Do we need donor match or blood match for cornea donation?

No there is no matching required as cornea is an avascular tissue.

7. How quickly should eyes be removed after death?

As soon as possible, but eyes can be removed up to 6 - 8 hours after death.

8. Is it necessary to transport the donor to the hospital after death?

No. Eye banks have personnel who will come to the donor's home and remove cornea from the eyes. The procedure takes about 30-40 minutes. The eyelids are then closed and there is no visible disfigurement of eyes or face.

9. How will my donation be used?

After the eyes are removed, cornea will be evaluated, processed, screened and then supplied to the eye surgeon for transplant.

10. Will the donor's family pay or receive any fees?

No. It is illegal to buy and sell human eyes, organs and tissues. Any costs associated with eye procurement are absorbed by the eye bank.

11. Will the recipients be told the identity of the donor?

No. Donor anonymity is strictly preserved by law.

12. How can I become a donor?

A donor card can serve as an indication to his/her family, friends, legal representative and hospitals of your intention to be an eye donor.
Perhaps the most important single thing you can do is make your friends and family aware of your wishes to make sure they are carried out after your death

13. How do I contact an Eye Bank?

A special number 1919 has been allotted by government to eye banks. Fortis Eye Institute is associated with Shroff Eye Bank (9650300300) and YPM Nirmaya Eye Bank (8130311919, 9810305066). One can also call this number to receive details about the donation procedure. On receiving information regarding a person's death, the eye bank sends its team to collect the eyes.

14. What are the Instructions for Donor’s relative?

You have the authority and moral responsibility to donate the eyes of the deceased

Close the eyelids of the deceased with moist cotton wool.
Switch off the fan & switch on the air conditioner if possible.
Raise the head of the deceased slightly by placing a pillow underneath
Contact the nearest eye bank as quickly as possible.
Eye donation can be done only with the written consent of the next of kin in the presence of two witnesses