World Sight Day and Corneal Transplants in India

• The International Agency for Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) celebrates World Sight Day every second Thursday of October, aiming to increase awareness and support efforts for global vision.

• Corneal blindness is a major cause of blindness in India, with corneal transplants being the only means of restoring vision.

• The cornea, a thin, clear, dome-shaped tissue layer of the eye, is specialized to remain transparent and bend light towards the retina.

• The first human corneal transplant was performed by Dr. E K Zim in 1905, and the first successful corneal transplant in India was performed by Dr. Muthiah in 1948.

• The sophistication and success rates of corneal transplants have grown, with the ability to transplant a specific lamellar sub-layer, allowing for faster recovery and reducing chances of immune rejection.

• Over a million people in India are estimated to be impaired due to corneal blindness, and the government is considering a modification to the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994 allowing ‘presumed consent’.

• A system that enables both donation and follow-up care is needed, aligning with the motto of ophthalmologists and the family.