The cornea is the front part of the eye, which permits light to go through the pupil after which it is focused on the retina. In normal conditions, the cornea should be crystal clear although it might become cloudy which translates to impaired sight or complete blindness.
The good news is that corneal blindness can be corrected successfully through kelatoplasty, which involves replacement of the cornea using one obtained from a donor.
All people can donate their corneas regardless of age. However, the cornea must be removed within six hours of death, which creates the necessity for a good communication network. If an individual has pledged to donate their eyes and they die in another city other than their home, their eyes have to be deposited in the nearest eye bank within six hours.
The next of kin can donate the eyes of a family member who has just passed away even if they had not pledged to donate. However, the donation must be done after the next of kin gives consent even if the deceased had already made a pledge.
Removal of the eyes will only take fifteen minutes. During the transplant, surgeons will only use the cornea, although the rest of the eyeball is used for research and educational purposes. When a donation is made, two people will regain their sight since a single cornea is given to each one of them. However, the identities of these recipients will never be disclosed to the public.
Patients will get a cornea transplant depending on their position on a waiting list formed using certain guidelines. Eyes cannot be traded through buying or selling.
Infographic: All Eyes On India Infografic is a small step for Corneal Transplants Mission which started and supported by Tej kohli
