Is there something we can do for them? Yes. We can. By pledging to donate our eyes. And two people will be able to see the world through our eyes, long after we are gone.
It takes a beautiful heart to gift someone the joy of sight, but at times, some myths and misconceptions stop us from doing it.
Let’s open our eyes to reality.
Myth
If I donate my eyes, it will leave holes in the eye socket causing face disfigurement
Fact
Eye donation does not cause any disfigurement of the face as only the cornea of the eye is removed and not the entire eye.
Myth
If I donate my eyes when I die, I will be blind by birth in my next life
Fact
Gifting sight to someone is a divine gesture – something only a person with a lot of greatness in the heart can do. How can such a person be born blind in the next birth? This myth has stemmed out of ignorance and is a complete misconception.
Myth
I want to pledge my eyes, but I am worried about how my family and relatives will react
Fact
Informing your family that you are planning to pledge your eyes will definitely be an emotional moment, as they love you and might not be able to think of a world without you. But you need to tell them that one day we will have to go and one of the good things we can do in this lifetime is to gift someone sight and in turn, a new life. If possible, you can also educate them about about Eye Donation and convince them to pledge their eyes too.
Myth
I have a previous history of cataract and so I cannot pledge my eyes for donation
Fact
You can donate your eyes even if you have a previous history of cataract, provided you have been operated/treated for cataract or glaucoma.
Myth
Aged people cannot donate eyes
Fact
You can donate your eyes, irrespective of how old you are. Practically, anyone who is above one year of age can donate their eyes. There is no upper age limit.
Myth
Eyes of Indian donors are not good for corneal transplant
Fact
Eyes of any deceased person, irrespective nationality/race/cast, can be used for corneal transplantation, post evaluation.
Myth
Corneal transplantation is just an experimental procedure
Fact
Corneal transplant is a proven, successful and routinely performed procedure that has gifted vision to millions of blind people across the world.
Myth
If I donate my eyes, it will be sold to the person who needs the transplant
Fact
Eye donation is a noble cause. Selling/ buying human eyes is an illegal and a punishable offense
Myth
If I have pledged my eyes for donation, no authorisation/consent from anybody is required after my death
Fact
Even if you have pledged your eyes for donation, the consent of your family member is essential for completing the process.
Myth
It is against my religion to become an eye donor
Fact
All religions honour those who make selfless sacrifices. Eye donation is a noble, divine deed and all faiths support this cause.
So do not hesitate. Donating your eyes will only make you a greater human being.
Pledge you eyes today.
