Culture beliefs and ritualism have contributed to the current acute shortage of corneas in Kenya. Consequently, the number of Kenyan queuing up for eye transplant has risen to staggering levels, according to Lions Sight First Eye Hospital, which is one of the largest cornea banks in Africa.

The hospitals says the cornea bank is depleted because Kenyans are said to be reluctant to donate the organs, which ordinarily are obtained dead bodies. However, in a country that is steeped in superstition and reverence of the dead, donation of body organs is yet to be accepted.

An ophthalmologist Daniel Mburu who works Lions Sight First Eye Hospital observes that majority of Kenyans have not embraced organ donation, which is mostly done when one passes on. Dr Mburu who was speaking in Murang’a during a free eye screening camp said there is a growing list of patients awaiting cornea transplant because there is acute shortage of the organ in the country.

The revealed the number of patients waiting for cornea transplant alone at Lions Sight First Eye Hospital stands over 1,000, but not a single organ is available.

“We have an acute shortage of corneas and we are desperately looking for people who can donate them. Due to cultural reasons, many Kenyans have not embraced organ donation, so we are appealing for support to help save lives and give sight to those who have lost it,” said Mburu.

For one to donate an organ, the ophthalmologist explained, one is only required to fill a commitment for allowing for harvesting of the cornea, which must be done within hours after death.

“We just take a little bit of the front of the eye and we do a cosmetic surgery to ensure it’s not disfigured and through this someone is going to have their eyesight restored,” he remarked.

Mburu further observed that there is a high prevalence of eye related diseases in the country among them cataract, raised eye pressure, infections and allergies. He explained that cataract is becoming common among the older generation aged above 55 years, which if not diagnosed and treated early, it can lead to blindness.

“Cases of eye allergies are also common across the country and if not treated they can lead to cornea scarring which will eventually need a transplant but the infections are common in the dry areas due to dust and pollutants in the air,” he added.

The medic also said people suffering from diabetes and hypertension are at risk of developing eye problems saying a medical survey has revealed that there is a correlation between the two conditions and eye problems.

For the children, Mburu warned that spending too much time on the screens like computers, TVs, phones can affect their sight, urging parents to ensure they regulate the screen time for their children. He however pointed out there is not enough eye-care due to lack of adequate eye specialists in the country and thus some people don’t get proper diagnosis for their conditions.

The ophthalmologist said the eye specialty hospital has been doing outreach programmes in all parts of the country where they do 300 operations per week to the patients free of charge.

“Our outreach programmes ensure that people get thorough screening of their eyes and a better diagnosis is done and those found having major problems get advanced treatment free of charge,” he stated.

• A Tell / KNA report / By Bernard Munyao