Q. WHAT IS CORNEA?

The cornea is a clear dome shaped outermost layer that covers the front black portion of the eye.

Q. WHAT IS CORNEAL BLINDNESS?

• As long as the cornea remains transparent , light can pass through it and a person can see.
• The cornea can become opaque or cloudy (damaged) when it loses its transparency following trauma, infection or other diseases.
• A person with an opaque cornea loses vision and this condition is known as Corneal Blindness.

Q. WHAT IS AN EYE BANK?

An Eye Bank is a not for profit organization that works towards collection, preservation and distribution of human eyes to patients advised corneal transplantation.

Q. WHO CAN BE AN EYE DONOR?

Anyone. Poor eyesight and age do not prohibit you from becoming an eye donor. Prospective donors may indicate their intentions on donor cards and driver’s licenses. It is important, however, for donors to inform family members, friends, and their doctor of their wishes to help ensure that their desires are fulfilled.

Q. WHY SHOULD EYES BE DONATED?

Donated human eyes are necessary for the preservation and restoration of sight.

Q. ARE THE WHOLE EYES TRANSPLANTED?

No. Only the clear window at the front of the eye, known as the cornea, is used for transplant purposes. Other portions of the eye may be used for other surgical procedures or for valuable research and education.

Q. WHEN ARE THE EYES REMOVED?

Donor eyes must be removed within six hours after death.

Q. DOES THE DONATION OF EYES AFFECT APPEARANCE AFTER DEATH?

 No, eye removal is a clean, simple procedure. When the eyelids are closed, there is no sign of eye donation.

Q. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE CORNEAS ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR TRANSPLANT?

 All donors and eyes are carefully evaluated. Should the corneas be determined as unsuitable for transplant, they can be used for research and education.

Q. HOW DOES RESEARCH AND EDUCATION BENEFIT FROM EYE DONATION?

Research on glaucoma, retinal disease, eye complications of diabetes and other sight disorders, benefit from donations because many eye problems can not be simulated. These studies advance the knowledge of the causes and effects of specific eye conditions which lead to new treatments and cures. Without donated eyes, thousands more still would be blind.

Q. CAN I DONATE MY EYE IF I WEAR GLASSES?

 Yes. Your present vision does not effect your donation.

Q. WHO WILL I HELP BY GIVING SIGHT?

 Anyone who has suffered corneal scarring as result of injury or disease. Many of these people cannot see their own hands; some have only limited perception of light.

Q. WHY SHOULD I DONATE MY EYES?

Pledging your eyes to the Sandhani International Eye Bank is the most precious gift that you can give after your death.

Q. ARE THERE RELIGIOUS CONFLICTS TO ORGAN, TISSUE, OR EYE DONATION?

No. Donation is a gift of life, or sight, to others. As such, organ, tissue and eye donations are consistent with beliefs and attitudes of major religions.