Corneal Donation After Death: “A Remaining Effect and a Great Reward"
About the Eye Bank
The Eye banks provide donated corneal tissues and other eye tissues for corneal transplants, other eye surgeries, and scientific research.
The United States currently has the largest and most extensive eye banks that provides corneal tissues and other eye tissues for more than 80,000 corneal transplants each year to treat medical conditions such as keratoconus, corneal opacities, and other corneal diseases. In addition, the sclera is used surgically to repair the eye cosmetically.
The eye bank also provides the amniotic membrane for some eye surgeries.
The National Guard Eye Bank is one of the most important eye banks in the Middle East, serving not only all health institutions affiliated with the National Guard, but also any health sector in the Kingdom.
What is the Cornea?
The cornea is the transparent part of the eye and plays a vital role in vision, through which light rays passes through to reach the lens, which in turn focuses these rays on the retina (the sensitive nerve layer in the eye). Nerve signals (electrical waves) travel from the retina through the optic nerve to a specific area of the brain, where these signals are translated into visual images.
The cornea may lose its transparency as a result of several factors, including infections such as trachoma, injuries such as (direct blow to the eye, chemical burns, corneal ulcers), and some diseases may cause abnormal changes in the external shape of the cornea such as (Fuchs' dystrophy or corneal endothelial cell atrophy, keratoconus, which is considered one of the most famous medical conditions in the Kingdom) requiring the replacement of a part of the damaged cornea with a healthy part taken from the cornea of another person after his death (the donor). In order for vision to return to the eye in which the cornea is transplanted, the rest of the eye must be completely healthy and perform its function normally, as the presence of any deficiency in any part of the eye may reduce the quality of vision.
Why is corneal donation important?
- Saving eyesight: One cornea donor can help restore the sight of two patients with corneal disease, making a huge difference in their lives.
- Meeting the growing need: There is a significant shortage of corneal donors, and many patients are waiting for their chance to undergo a corneal transplant.
- A noble humanitarian act: By donating, you leave a positive impact on the lives of others, reflecting the values of cooperation and assistance.
How is a cornea donated?
- You can register as a donor during your lifetime through the Tawakkalna app or inform your family of your desire.
- Evaluation: After death, the donor's condition is evaluated to ensure the viability of the cornea.
- Transplantation: The cornea is transplanted into a patient in need, restoring their ability to see.
Information about the donation process:
- Corneal donation does not affect the external appearance of the donor and does not cause any wounds or scars.
- The donation process takes 30 minutes.
- Donation is only of the corneas and not the entire eye.
- The donation process does not delay burial procedures or receiving the deceased.
Dear brother/sister:
There are patients, young and old, who are in dire need of a healthy cornea to help them to restore their sight. Just as Allah Almighty created the disease, He also created its cure. Based on the content of the decision of the Council of Senior Scholars No. 99 dated 11/6/1402 AH, the Council unanimously decided that it is permissible to transplant an organ or part of it from a living Muslim or non-Muslim to himself if there is a need for it and the danger of its type is safe and it is likely that its transplant will be successful in the person to whom it will be transplanted. It is permissible for a living person to donate an organ or part of it to a Muslim in need.
Take the initiative to donate a cornea and you will receive the reward of this world and the best reward of the hereafter, God willing.
Contact Us:
EyeBank@mngha.med.sa
