In Luxembourg – Corneas donated to save sight
Published
ESCH-SUR-ALZETTE – The CHEM announced on Thursday that it had carried out its 200th corneal sample. This saved the sight of so many people.
The cornea is this small transparent and round tissue on the eye, in front of the iris and the pupil. It protects the eye and transmits light to the retina. And when it becomes opaque, for one reason or another, the person gradually loses their sight and can end up blind. The possible causes are multiple and can affect patients of all ages.
To alleviate the problem and save the sight of the people concerned, corneal transplantation may be the solution. Each year, some 50 people undergo a corneal transplant in Luxembourg, and as many are on the waiting list, according to figures communicated this Thursday by the Émile-Mayrisch Hospital Center (CHEM). The southern hospital indicates that it carried out its 200th corneal sample in March.
“Choice of solidarity”
“The CHEM sincerely thanks the families of the deceased for this choice of solidarity,” the hospital wrote in a press release. And to specify that “everyone can be a cornea donor”. There is no age limit and wearing glasses or contact lenses does not prevent you from being a donor”. In addition, the corneas are not vascularized, and the problem of compatibility between donor and recipient therefore does not arise.
The hospital also explains that the sample must be taken within 72 hours of death and that it does not alter the face of the deceased, since neither the eyeball nor the iris are taken. “The physical integrity of the deceased is thus scrupulously respected”, insists the CHEM. To become a donor, hospital officials believe that it is “important to speak to those close to you about your decision to become an organ donor”. You can make your wishes known via the “life passport” application or by obtaining an organ donor card from the Ministry of Health or of Luxembourg registry.
(jw/The essential)