At a time when there is a huge gap between the number of people waiting for corneal transplant and donors , the least we can do is to pledge for Eye donation and increase awareness. The National Eye Donation Fortnight is observed every year from 25th August to 8th September which aims to create public awareness about the importance of eye donation.
Corneal blindness is considered as the fourth leading cause of blindness after glaucoma, cataract, and age-related macular degeneration. The corneal transplantation is solely dependent on the voluntary donation of eyes. Indians always have a habit of giving back to the society and this tradition is deeply entrenched in the society, whether it is blood donation or now organ donation.
Community outreach is necessary as the magnitude of eye donation in our country is pretty dismal as compared to the rest of the world. Insufficient facilities, absence of motivation and myths should not be deterrents for Eye Donations.

Eye Donation during COVID Times

Eye donations during Covid times should continue with donor testing, checking medical history of the donor, use of protective gear by doctors and technicians to remove corneal tissues, risk-benefit assessment for the recipients, etc.

Quick Facts

• Eyes can be donated only after death
• Corneal retrieval is done by trained and certified medical practitioners and takes only about 15 minutes
• Preference is an order unless there is an emergency
• Eyes have to be retrieved within 6-8 hours of death
• The identities of both donors and recipients are kept confidential
• A person donating both the eyes gives vision to two people
• A person of any age or gender can donate eyes
• Doctors will determine contraindications for donations i.e. who can donate and who cannot depending on the medical condition.

Likewise transplant is not useful in cases like blindness due to glaucoma, age related degeneration and others.