As per the World Health Organisation, corneal diseases are among the major causes of vision loss and blindness in the world today, after cataract and glaucoma.
Besides, the Eye Bank Association of India claims that approximately 11 lakh blind population of our country are awaiting corneal transplantation and approximately 25,000 new cases are being reported every year. One eye donation can give sight to two corneal blind persons. Corneal transplantation is the answer to restore sight. With recent advancement in microsurgery there is increased success rate and reduced complications.
Central India’s renowned cornea and refractive surgeon and director Sudarshan Netralaya, Bhopal Dr Prateek Gujar told informed this while addressing a Press Conference organised here on Friday to mark the beginning of 31st National Fortnight On Eye Donation, being observed between August 25 and September 8.
Dr Gujar said cornea is the eye’s outermost layer. It is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eyes. It is responsible for more than 2/3rd of the eye’s focusing power.
Treating corneal blindness is possible through cornea transplant. In this treatment, a healthy cornea is transplanted in place of a diseased cornea in entirety through penetrating keratoplasty or in part through lamellar keratoplasty. Since artificial corneas are not available, corneas have to be harvested only through eye donation.
He said the corneal transplantation is suggested in case of scarring from infections such as viral, fungal or bacterial Keratitis; hereditary corneal diseases or dystrophies; thinning of cornea or irregular shape due to Keratoconus; chemical burns on the cornea and or excessive swelling on the cornea (like after cataract surgery).