Part II
By Dr Neeraj Jain, MBBS, MD (ophthalmology), DNB, MNAMS
In last week’s article, we covered the concept of eye donation, how eyes can be donated, who can donate and what should be done in order to donate. This week, we will discuss eye banks, corneal transplants and other related issues.
Again I would like to emphasize that eye donation is a humble voluntary act. We all try our best to do good for the whole of human kind throughout our lives. We can add that extra mile by donating our eyes after death.
What is an eye bank?
An eye bank is a well equipped organization, which functions on properly laid-down guidelines for procurement, processing and utilization of the corneal tissue and related ancillaries. The eye bank receives donations from generous people who give the gift of sight by donating their eyes after they die. These donations are examined to ensure that the cornea is healthy, and suitable for corneal transplant.
What is the procedure
followed after taking out the eyeballs?
The eyeballs are taken to the eye bank, maintaining refrigerated and sterile conditions. At the eye bank it will be processed further and preserved in an artificial medium. The medium extends its use for the next 48-96 hours.
No tissue is used for corneal transplants until it has been inspected at the eye bank and found to be healthy. The tissue is tested for HIV, Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C before being certified as ready and healthy for transplant. The donor eye is then sent to an operating surgeon for the transplant surgery.
Why are corneal transplants needed?
Corneal transplants can be done for many reasons. Some surgeries are done to restore vision, while in other instances, they are done to maintain the integrity of eye ball (after a corneal ulcer or perforation).
What is corneal transplant surgery?
The opaque cornea is removed from the recipient eye, and a similar size of corneal tissue procured from the donor eye is sutured to the recipient eye. In this process, the opacity is substituted by clear tissue from the donor eye.
The shadowed part is the cornea. In a corneal transplant it is replaced with the donated cornea.
What if I change my mind?
Discard the donor card and let your family know of your decision. But I have hardly seen anyone doing that. Remember it’s a voluntary act, and at any point of time, you can withdraw from it. It is advisable to visit the eye bank personnel and discuss your query rather than changing your wish.
What if my family
changes their mind?
Nothing can be done in such a case. Without the consent for donation by the family members, eye donation cannot be done. That’s why it is always stressed to discuss the eye donation desire.
When you register it is important that you tell those closest to you about your decision. Even if your name is on the register, the person closest to you in life will be asked to confirm that you had not changed your mind.
What if the family wants to donate even though the person never expressed the wish of donation?
A family can make a choice of donating the eye of the deceased person. The process is very simple: Call the eye bank and sign the consent papers for the donation. Many times elderly people are unaware of the option of eye donation. Under such circumstances, family members can make a wish on their behalf.
Are families told who will receive the donation?
It is eye-bank policy to keep donor and recipient identities completely confidential. It is not advisable also to enquire about it.
Can the family choose a recipient?
No. The eye bank registers the patients on a first come first serve basis and on their priority scale. The eye bank distributes the corneas in a fair and equitable manner. So all donated eyes have to be utilized as per the utilization norms.
How many eye donations are needed per year?
Corneal transplant is one of the most common transplant procedures. Although approximately 100,000 procedures are performed worldwide each year, some estimates report that 10,000,000 people are affected by disorders that would benefit from corneal transplantation.
Next time when you see a corneal blind person, reassure him that you will help him by not only pledging a corneal donation but motivating others to donate as well.
One eye donation wish can make life brighter for two people.
