Tuesday, 17 October 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Several factors such as lack of awareness and religious and cultural beliefs have contributed to a lower number of eye donations in both the nation and the State. Experts state that there is an increase in corneal blindness among individuals under the age of 50 throughout the State. However, the number of eye donations is comparatively low in comparison to the number of people suffering from corneal blindness. Approximately 10,000 individuals in the state are affected by corneal blindness, while an average of 2,000 eye donations have been received, said the experts.
Commenting on the eye donation, the medical director of eye bank AIIMS Rishikesh Dr Neeti Gupta said, “The rate of eye donation is comparatively lower than the number of people suffering from corneal blindness. According to the statistics from the Eye Bank Association, the state has only received about 348 eye donations in the year 2022-23. This low rate can be attributed to factors such as lack of awareness, ignorance, and religious beliefs.”
She further added that around 85 per cent of people are aware of the importance of eye donation, but only seven per cent actually donate their eyes. People under the age of 50 years are experiencing a higher rate of corneal blindness in the state. In order to address this issue, it is crucial for people to recognise the significance of eye donation. Increasing awareness is the key to helping people understand the importance of eye donation, she added.
Further, senior eye specialist Dr Sushil Ojha told this correspondent that with the passage of time, the corneal blindness patients increasing in the nation as well as in the State. To address the increasing prevalence of cornea blindness among individuals in the nation and the state, it is crucial to note that the eye donation rate remains insufficient in relation to the number of individuals affected by cornea blindness. According to estimates, there are currently 10,000 individuals suffering from cornea blindness in the state, while an average of 2,000 eye donations are received. One major obstacle hindering eye donations is the influence of cultural and religious beliefs, he added.
He further added In order to enhance the rate of eye donation both nationally and statewide, effective awareness programs play a vital role. With the technological advancements now it is enabled to preserve donated eyes for a period of 14 days, a significant improvement considering the previous limit of two to three days, said Ojha.
