Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is cornea?
   Cornea is the glass like covering over the pupil of the eye.

2. Why does the cornea get damaged?
   The cornea usually gets damaged because of infections or injuries of the eye or poor nutrition especially in childhood.

3. How can the eyesight in these patients be restored?
   Persons who have lost their sight because of damage to the cornea can hope to regain it with corneal grafting.

4. Who can be an eye donor?
   Any ones age sex is not important, and it does not matter if you wear glasses or have undergone a cataract operation or any other eye surgery. All that is needed is a clear and healthy cornea.

5. Are any costs involved in eye donation?
   No fees are charged from the family. The Eye Collection Center will rush a doctor to the donors home. This is a free service in the public interest.

6. Can I choose who will receive the corneas from my eyes?
   You may make a request to that effect to the eye bank. But the corneas are usually transplanted into the next two patients on the waiting list to avoid any unfair practice.

7. Can my family meet the person who receives the corneas from my eyes?
   No. the recipient will always remian anonymous. But the family should take pride in knowing the fact that the donors eyes have been used to restore vision to two blind person.

8. Can the eyes be removed at home?
   The eyes can be removed at home or any other place where the body is kept after death.

9. Does the recipient have to pay for the eye that is used for grafting?
   Services by the government and voluntary sector are provided free of charge. Donated eyes are never bought or sold.

10. What are the normal and religious views on eye donation?
    Religious leaders throughout the world have voiced their support for eye donation as an expression for the highest humanitarian ideals.

Myths Vs. Reality