What is Corneal Blindness?

The Cornea, which is the clear tissue covering the front of the eye is the main focusing part of the eye. If the Cornea becomes cloudy or scarred, vision can be markedly reduced or lost.

Causes of Corneal Blindness:

Injury, malnutrition, infection, burns, congenital disorders and surgical, complications can Cause corneal blindness.

Corneal Transplantation is the Answer

Fortunately, through Surgical technique of Corneal Transplantation, sight restoration is possible.

Eye Donation is Essential

Since there is no substitute for human tissue, The transplantation process depends upon the priceless gift of EYE DONATION alone.

Eye Donation is a family issue

As the decision for eye donation is made by the family members when a death occurs, the commitment and involvement of the whole family is required. Eye donation will work best, when it becomes a tradition in every Indian family and a part of our culture, irrespective of religion and other aspects.

Who can donate?

Anyone of any age can donate eyes. Persons suffering from diabetes, hypertension, asthma, TB can also donate eyes. Patients who have undergone cataract operations can also donate eyes. Eye donation from one person can restore eyesight to TWO blind persons.

Time

Cornea have to be removed with in 6-8 hours after death. So, let no time be lost.

How it is done:

After the death the members of family inform the nearest Eye bank, eye bank personnel will come and collect donor eyes at no cost. Eyes are transported to the eye bank and stored after screening tests. Transplantation is done in a hospital.

Corneal Blindness is a Staggering problem:

More than 2.5 million Indians, a majority of them are children, suffering from corneal blindness, and another 25,000 are added to that number every year.

Eye Donation Statistics

Eye Donation Statistics indicate that only around 20,000 eyes were collected approx by 80 Eye Banks spread all over the country as against the requirement of 40,000 eyes per annum. Eye Banks in 6 Cities (Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Patiala, New Delhi) collect more than 50 eyes per month, and Eye Banks of 18 cities account for 94% of the total eyes collected.

Eye Donation for all

To meet the requirement, eye donation this is possible only when the concept becomes a movement and spreads to all families especially in major urban areas of the country. Eye Banks/ Eye Donations centres can be located at urban areas with a population of more than 4 Lakhs.

How can you help the Eye Bank?

• If there is a death in friend’s/relatives/own house, you can motivate the members of bereaved family. Collect the Death Certificate, inform eye Bank.
• Pledge your eyes for donation. Let it be a family tradition.
• Propagate Eye Donation.
• Become Friends of Eye bank.
• Help us to arrange Audiovisual Programme.
• Donate liberally for this humanitarian cause and help in Eradication Corneal Blindness.