Introduction
Blindness is a serious health problem that impacts individuals worldwide. There are several causes of blindness and visual impairment. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma as the top three causes of blindness worldwide. However, corneal blindness can be treated with corneal transplantation with the help of eye donation. In these cases, corneal transplantation is used to medically remove the eye and transplant it into the people who require it. Many myths surround eye donation, even though it can help blind people regain their vision. People are discouraged from donating organs due to myths and misconceptions surrounding the practice. The reality that organ donation can save lives cannot be denied. Donating eyes can improve how others see the world. Thus, one should consider their options before refusing to give an eye.
Who Can Donate the Eyes?
Donating eyes is only possible when a person dies. After death, the eyes must be removed within four to six hours. An individual can donate their eyes while still living if that is what they want to happen once they pass away. Key points to keep in mind when reviewing the requirements for eye donation are:
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Donors of any age or gender can donate corneas.
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Individuals without communicable diseases, such as those with diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and other medical conditions, can also donate their eyes.
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Using glasses for astigmatism, shortsightedness, longsightedness, or even cataract surgery is also not contraindicated.
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A donated cornea that cannot be used for transplantation can be used for medical research and education.
What Are the Contraindications to Eye Donation?
Donations of eyes are not permitted if an individual is diagnosed with or has passed away with certain medical conditions that are contraindications to eye donation.
The following is a list of contraindications to eye donation.
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AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).
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Hepatitis B or C.
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Rabies.
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Septicemia.
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Acute leukemia.
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Tetanus.
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Cholera.
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Meningitis or encephalitis
When circumstances are seen to be complete contraindications for transplantation, the donor family is completely and properly informed. Eyes cannot be retrieved if the donor family is informed of this and still wants to donate.
What Are the Common Myths Regarding Eye Donation?
1) Myth - People With Medical Conditions and Eye Diseases Cannot Donate:
Fact - The truth is that anyone, regardless of age or health status, is eligible to donate their eyes. Eye donations are accepted from people with medical conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, cataracts, hypertension, heart disease, renal illness, or who wear glasses. A person's eyes may not be impacted by their condition. A person's corneas remain unaltered and can be donated for transplantation even if they have had previous eye surgery. The condition of the donor's eyes at the time of death will be determined by the medical professionals performing the transplant. They will decide whether or not an individual's eyes can be donated to another person.
2) Myth - Old People Cannot Donate Their Eyes-
Fact - There is no age limit for eye donations. Any donor's eyes, even those of premature or stillborn newborns, are eligible for use in eye donation, regardless of the donor's age. In recorded history, the oldest known eye donor in American history is 93 years old. It is not the donor's age that counts most, but rather the state of the patient's eyes at the time of death.
3) Myth - Those Who Donate Eyes Will Suffer Face Disfigurement -
Fact - Donating an eye is a delicate process. Medical personnel execute the eye donation process in a way that preserves the donor's natural appearance. Only the cornea, the translucent outer layer of the eyeball, is removed carefully during the procedure. The cornea does not present issues with blood type matching since it receives a limited amount of blood and obtains its oxygen from the atmosphere rather than the bloodstream. Furthermore, there are no blood vessels in the cornea. It is, therefore, the perfect organ for transplantation. After the cornea is removed, it is replaced with a shell, making the donor's face look normal while the eyes are closed.
4) Myth - Donating Eyes Is Possible Only Right After Death -
Fact - Although prompt donation is preferable, corneas can occasionally be operated and taken up to several hours following death, particularly when appropriate preservation methods are used. The precise duration depends on several variables, such as outside temperature and eye health.
5) Myth - Even Living People Can Donate Their Eyes:
Fact - It is possible to transplant several human organs while a person is still alive, such as the liver and kidneys, but not the eyes. Signing up for eye donation is crucial because it is the only feasible way to donate eyes after death. While still living, a person can vow to donate their eyes and then encourage their family to carry out their wishes in the future.
6) Myth - Any Blind Person Can Benefit From Eye Donation:
Fact - This is a widely held misconception, but it is misleading because corneal transplantation only benefits individuals with corneal opacity. While certain individuals with retinal or optic nerve blindness cannot be addressed similarly, these patients can benefit from eye donation.
7) Myth - The Eye Removal Surgery Can Be a Lengthy Procedure:
Fact - This is untrue because eye removal procedures only require ten to fifteen minutes. Donating an eye is simple and is supported by eye banks and qualified medical professionals. It will only assist a patient with corneal problems in regaining their vision; it will not in any way cause the funeral rites to be delayed. The surgery is done with respect and care, and there is no expense to the donor's family.
Conclusion
One of the most honorable deeds a person can perform is donating their eyes. It is among the best presents that might genuinely alter the life of a person experiencing visual problems. Since the eyes are the most valuable organ in the body, it should not be wasted by burying or burning them once we pass away. Therefore, raising awareness and erasing the myths regarding eye donation is essential.
