The Economics of Eye Care
Eye Donation and Corneal Blindness
How corneal blindness can be treated with donated corneas, why India faces a shortage, and how eye banks work.
Some blindness comes from damaged corneas.
Treatment
A corneal transplant using a donated cornea can restore sight.
Shortage
India collects far fewer corneas than it needs.
Eye banks
Eye banks collect corneas after death, test them and supply hospitals.
Donation
- Eyes must be donated within hours of death.
- Families must consent.
Barriers
Myths and lack of awareness reduce donation.
National Eye Donation Fortnight
Held every year from 25 August to 8 September.
The pledge
A family honours their grandfather's pledge by donating his eyes, restoring sight to two people.
Thinking eye donation removes the whole eye for transplant
Mainly the cornea is used.
Key takeaways
- Donated corneas can restore sight.
- India faces a shortage.
- Eye banks collect and supply corneas.
- Myths reduce donation.
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