National Eye Donation Week 2022

National Eye Donation Week is observed annually in India from August 25 to September 8. The goal of this week is to create public awareness about the importance of eye donation and encourage people to donate their eyes after death. It was established in 1985 by the ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW) of the government of India. Through eye donation, it is now feasible to save lives in the modern world in which we live. Let's learn more about the value of eye donation during this National eye donation Week and spread the word to others.

To know more about Eye donation, keep reading.

What Is An Eye Donation?

Donating an eye is considered one of humanity's greatest selfless deeds since it helps the blind get sight. The whole eye is not used for transplantation; only the cornea, a very thin transparent layer, is utilized. It is comparable to the camera's outer lens. It is known as keratoplasty, a corneal graft, or a cornea transplant.

Who Can Donate Eyes?

• People of all ages, gender, race, blood group, or religion.
• People who wear spectacles or lenses for either short or long-sightedness, or even those who have gotten their eyes operated on, as these conditions may not affect the cornea.
• Those suffering from diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and those without any communicable diseases can also donate their eyes.

Who Cannot Donate Their Eyes?

• Persons infected with or who died from AIDS, Hepatitis B or C, rabies, septicemia, acute leukemia, tetanus, cholera, meningitis, or encephalitis cannot donate eyes.
• Eyes donated to the Eye Bank that is not medically suitable for transplant may be used for medical research and education.

Facts About Eye Donation:

• Eye donation is donating one's eyes after their death.
• One pair of eye donations gives vision to two corneal blind people.
• Eyes should be removed 4-6 hours after death, and the nearest eye bank should be notified immediately.
• Only corneal blind persons gain from donated eyes.
• Corneal blindness is the loss of vision due to damage to the tissue that covers the front of the eye, called the cornea.
• The cornea of the donor's eye should be removed within an hour of death.
• Two corneal blind people can benefit from one pair of eyes.
• Eye removal takes only 10-15 minutes, and there is no deformation of the face.
• Eye donations are never purchased or sold. The donation of an eye is never refused.
• To register as an eye donor, contact the eye bank.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can diabetic patients donate their eyes?

Diabetic patients or those suffering from hypertension or asthma can donate their eyes. Anyone with a cataract can also contribute to their eyes.

2. Does the face change after an eye donation?

No, It is a myth that eye donation alters one's appearance. Removal of cornea does not cause any changes in the face. A transparent eye cap is then put in the eye in its place once the eyeball has been removed.

3. How can I donate my eyes?

For eye donation, you must fill out the pledge form and send it to any nearest eye banks. Once registered as an eye donor, you will be provided an Eye Donor Card.

4. How many people can benefit from my eye donation?

At least two people can be benefited. The eyes of a donated person will go to two different corneal blind individuals.

5. Are there any costs or rewards for the donor's family?

No, buying and selling human eyes, organs, and tissues is illegal. The eye bank bears any costs associated with an eye transplant.

6. Is it essential to take the donor to the hospital?

No, you must get in touch with the eye bank staff. The team will carry out the corneal excision at the donor's home or the hospital where the death occurred. 

Eye Never Die, Donate Eye

It is your choice whether or not to become a  donor. However, organ donation is a wonderful act. This eye donation week 2022 raises awareness of the necessity and significance of eye donation. Encourage people to donate their eyes by inspiring them to do so. Educate your family members and friends about the value of eye donation and how it can give someone a second chance at life.

"Let Your Eyes Change Someone's Life- Donate Eyes"