New Delhi, June 9 (IANS). Do you know that even after a person’s death, his eyes can see this beautiful world? This proven truth of medical science is no less than a miracle that our eyes survive even after death and the eyes of a single deceased donor can restore vision to the lives of two or more blind people through today’s modern ‘component surgery’ technology.
‘World Eye Donation Day’ celebrated every year on 10 June and ‘National Eye Donation Fortnight’ organized in India from 25 August to 8 September remind us of this selfless and supreme humanitarian donation.
In ancient times, in corneal transplantation, the entire layer was replaced, which was called penetrating keratoplasty. But today’s modern eye medicine has moved towards ‘lamellar keratoplasty’.
In this, only that layer of the cornea which is damaged is replaced. It is said to have a clinical success rate of more than 90 percent, and also minimizes the risk of graft rejection.
The National Nodal Agency in the field of organ and tissue donation (NOTTO) has broken the misconceptions spread in the society regarding eye donation.
Myth: Elderly people cannot donate eyes.
Truth: There is no maximum age limit for eye donation. If the cornea is healthy and transparent, donation is possible at any age.
Myth: Removing eyes distorts the face.
Truth: This is a very safe and respectable procedure. The doctor only removes the cornea. if complete
If the eyeball has to be removed, an artificial plastic prosthetic eye is implanted, due to which the face looks absolutely normal.
Myth: Donation cannot happen if you do not take a resolution during your lifetime.
Truth: After death, family members or legal heirs can donate eyes with mutual consent.
Under Digital India, it has now become very easy to pledge for eye donation. Any citizen can register online by visiting the website of National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO). In this process the citizen must have an official identity card.
Time is said to be the most important factor for eye donation, as the cornea must be removed within 6 hours of death.
–IANS
VKU/DKP