“Eye defects must be identified early”

Competitions organised by the District Blindness Control Society at Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) on Wednesday to create an awareness of eye donation attracted around 100 students from 14 schools and seven colleges.

P. Thiagarajan, Head, Department of Ophthalmology, GRH, said that there were 1.2 lakh patients with corneal blindness in the country. While one lakh were on the waiting list for surgery, another 20,000 cases of corneal blindness were being added every year. Children aged between 6 and 12 accounted for 60 per cent of the cases.

Injuries to the eye, birth defects and infection were among the major causes for corneal blindness. Corneal transplantation was the only way out for many, said health experts who urged parents to keep sharp objects away from the reach of infants.

According to M. Veerasamy, national convener, National Ophthalmic Associate Association, there must be an awareness of preventable blindness too since 80 per cent of visual impairment could be avoided. “We need to motivate people to donate eyes, but at the same time, the focus must be on preventing irreversible blindness. It is important to identify eye defects at an early stage, especially in the case of children,” he said.

Mr. Veerasamy warned people against using eye drops in case of an infection or irritation in the eye. “Use of eye drops will damage the cornea, ending in sight impairment. Avoid rubbing the eye when a foreign body enters it. Washing the eye is the appropriate thing to do,” he said.

On eye donation, Veerasamy said merely filling pledge forms or registering with an eye bank are not enough and of no use. Those willing to donate eyes must put up a notice in the living room of their house so that visitors and guests will be aware of their intention and call the eye bank when a death occurs.”

In 2013-14, the GRH received 220 pairs of eyes. This year, about 65 pairs had been collected, said Dr. Thyagarajan. The programme was conducted under the aegis of National Programme for Control of Blindness as part of the 29th Eye Donation Fortnight Celebration 2014, being organised throughout the country from August 25 to September 8.

The students participated in elocution and quiz competitions on the topic ‘Role of students in awareness of eye donation.’

Those willing to donate eyes may call Government Rajaji Hospital at 0452 2532535.