Corneal blindness and eye banking: Current strategies and best practices

Author:

Anitha Venugopal1,Tandon Radhika2,Shah Sushmita G3,Radhakrishnan Naveen4,Singh Sankalp5,Murugesan Vanathi2,Patwardhan Veena1,Ravindran Meenakshi6

Affiliation:

1. Cornea and Refractive Services, Aravind Eye Hospital and Post Graduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India

2. Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Services, Dr. R P Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India

3. Director, Eye Life, 204 R K Chambers, Linking Road, Khar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India

4. Cornea and Refractive Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Pondicherry, India

5. Cornea and Refractive Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

6. Paediatric and Strabismus Surgery, Aravind Eye Hospital and Post Graduate Institute of Ophthalmology, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Corneal blindness (CB) is one of the leading causes of blindness in India and globally, affecting around 8 million population worldwide. Many of these corneal blind patients may be visually rehabilitated by corneal transplantation (CT). Eye banking plays a crucial role in facilitating CT and ocular research. Many countries have adopted regulatory frameworks, quality assurance programs, and technological advancements to enhance the efficacy and safety of CT. Various infrastructural and organizational frameworks of eye banks (EBs) in India, according to the Eye Bank Association of India (EBAI), aid in establishing guidelines and standards for EB practices. Initiatives such as the National Programme for Control of Blindness (NPCB) have significantly contributed to eye donation rates and improved access to donor corneas. This review article discusses the established eye banking networks in countries such as India, the United States (USA), and Europe, where dedicated EB organizations work collaboratively to ensure efficient procurement, processing, and distribution of corneal tissue. It also highlights specific strategies employed in India and global countries to address EBs’ challenges. These challenges include the shortage of donor corneas, improving donor screening and tissue processing techniques, ensuring timely distribution of corneal tissue, and maintaining high-quality standards. Interestingly, the comparative analysis between India and other developed countries highlights the similarities and differences in eye banking strategies. By understanding the strategies employed by different regions, EBs can learn from each other’s experiences and work toward achieving optimal outcomes in CT and ocular research worldwide. It underscores the importance of knowledge sharing and collaborative efforts in addressing common challenges and implementing best practices in eye banking.

Publisher

Medknow

Subject

Ophthalmology

Reference39 articles.

1. Corneal blindness:A global perspective;Whitcher;Bull World Health Organ,2001

2. The structure and evolution of eye banking:A review on eye banks'historical, present, and future contribution to corneal transplantation;Lambert;J Biorepos Sci Appl Med,2017

3. European eye bank association;Jones;Dev Ophthalmol,2009

4. Turning the tide of corneal blindness;Oliva;Indian J Ophthalmol,2012

5. Blindness in Africa:Present situation and future needs;Lewallen;Br J Ophthalmol,2001

同舟云学术

1.学者识别学者识别

2.学术分析学术分析

3.人才评估人才评估

"同舟云学术"是以全球学者为主线,采集、加工和组织学术论文而形成的新型学术文献查询和分析系统,可以对全球学者进行文献检索和人才价值评估。用户可以通过关注某些学科领域的顶尖人物而持续追踪该领域的学科进展和研究前沿。经过近期的数据扩容,当前同舟云学术共收录了国内外主流学术期刊6万余种,收集的期刊论文及会议论文总量共计约1.5亿篇,并以每天添加12000余篇中外论文的速度递增。我们也可以为用户提供个性化、定制化的学者数据。欢迎来电咨询!咨询电话:010-8811{复制后删除}0370

www.globalauthorid.com

TOP

Copyright © 2019-2024 北京同舟云网络信息技术有限公司
京公网安备11010802033243号  京ICP备18003416号-3