In a remarkable development at the RP Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS New Delhi, a single eye donation is now enabling vision restoration for up to six eyes (three pairs). This groundbreaking advancement in customised corneal transplantation highlights the power of modern medical technology and expertise.

Traditionally, eye donations have been crucial in restoring sight to individuals suffering from vision loss. However, at AIIMS’s RP Centre, innovative techniques are revolutionising this process. Thanks to cutting-edge technology and a dedicated team of specialists, one cornea can now be transplanted to benefit three separate patients.

In alignment with National Eye Donation Fortnight, a national campaign aimed at boosting cornea donations to combat blindness, the RP Centre is leading the way in this transformative approach. Professor Dr Radhika Tandon and Dr Tushar Agarwal from AIIMS emphasise that corneal tissue, a vital component of the eye, can be successfully transplanted from donors to patients in need. Since eye donations can only occur posthumously, there is a crucial need to encourage more people to consider this life-changing gift.

This new technique, which allows one cornea to serve multiple patients, offers hope and significant relief to those battling blindness. The RP Centre’s pioneering work represents a major leap forward in ophthalmic science and patient care.

What is a Customised Corneal Transplant?

A customised corneal transplant is a procedure where only the diseased layer of the cornea is replaced, rather than the entire cornea. When a patient has a condition affecting a specific layer of their cornea, this layer is removed and replaced with a matching layer from a donor cornea.

Benefits of a Customised Corneal Transplant

At the RP Centre of AIIMS, the concept of a ‘single donor, multiple recipients’ is being employed. This technique maximises the use of donor tissue. The donor cornea is divided into its six distinct layers, allowing different layers to be used for different patients. As a result, one cornea can potentially benefit several individuals. Additionally, by replacing only the affected layer rather than the whole cornea, the recovery time for patients is significantly reduced, leading to quicker healing.

AIIMS Achieves Record in Corneal Transplants

Over the past 58 years, the National Eye Bank at the RP Centre has received 32,000 cornea donations, with 23,000 patients having had their sight restored through these transplants. This year alone, 2,000 corneas have been donated, marking the highest number in the past three years following the disruptions caused by COVID-19. Historically, AIIMS RP Centre has conducted around 1,000 corneal transplant surgeries annually, but in the 2023-24 period, a record 1,703 corneal transplants were performed.

National Eye Bank Developing a Network

Dr Radhika Tandon announced that AIIMS’ National Eye Bank is establishing a network to enhance cornea collection by integrating all government hospitals across Delhi-NCR. This initiative also includes arrangements to ensure corneal tissue is efficiently transported to surgeons.

Encouraging Cornea Donations

Dr Tandon and Dr Tushar Agarwal emphasise that there is no age restriction for eye donation. Corneas can be donated by anyone from young children to individuals up to 99 years old. Public awareness is crucial for this cause. In the event of a natural death or a death during hospital treatment, families can contact the eye bank or the nearest hospital to facilitate cornea donation.