A significant revelation from eye specialists in Bengaluru has cast a spotlight on a major challenge within the noble cause of eye donation. Despite increasing awareness and pledges, a substantial portion of donated eyes are not reaching patients in need of sight-restoring transplants.
The Stark Reality of Eye Donation
Ophthalmologists in the city have disclosed that only 35% to 50% of donated eyes are ultimately deemed suitable for corneal transplantation. This statistic highlights a critical gap between donation and successful surgical application. The primary reason for this low utilisation rate is the medical condition of the donated tissue itself.
Experts explain that many potential donors suffer from pre-existing health issues that render the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, unfit for transplant. Conditions such as infections, certain systemic diseases, or the cause of death can compromise the quality of the corneal tissue. This makes careful screening and timely retrieval after death absolutely crucial for a successful outcome.
Behind the Numbers: Why Donated Eyes Are Rejected
The journey from a pledged donation to a successful transplant is delicate. For a cornea to be viable, it must be harvested within a strict time window after death and preserved under specific conditions. Furthermore, a detailed medical history of the donor is essential for screening.
Common factors that lead to a donated eye being deemed unsuitable include:
- Undiagnosed or untreated infections in the donor.
- Certain communicable diseases that pose a risk to the recipient.
- Damage to the cornea due to trauma or prolonged illness.
- The cause of death itself, such as septicemia or certain cancers.
This underscores the need for public education not just about pledging eyes, but also about the medical criteria that determine transplant suitability.
Implications and the Path Forward
This low conversion rate has direct consequences for the thousands of Indians waiting to overcome corneal blindness. Every unsuitable donation, while well-intentioned, represents a lost opportunity for someone living in darkness. The news, reported by Sneha Ramesh and published on 10 January 2026, serves as a crucial data point for health policymakers and eye banks.
To address this, ophthalmologists are calling for a multi-pronged approach:
- Enhanced Public Awareness: Potential donors and their families should be informed about the health factors that affect transplant suitability.
- Strengthened Screening Protocols: Eye banks need robust systems to quickly and accurately assess donor medical history.
- Faster Retrieval Networks: Improving logistics to ensure eyes are collected and preserved within the ideal post-mortem timeframe is vital.
The commitment to eye donation remains a powerful force for good. By understanding these challenges, the system can evolve to ensure that more pledges translate into the precious gift of sight. The focus must now shift from just increasing the number of pledges to improving the quality and viability of donations.
