Profiling of Contraindications for Eye Donation in Hospital Corneal Retrieval Programme in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Uttarakhand

Context: Despite advancements in eye banking, the demand–supply gap for donor corneas remains substantial. A large number of potential donors are rejected due to various contraindications. Understanding these contraindication patterns is essential to strengthen donor identification, optimize tissue utilization, and enhance the overall efficiency of eye banking practices. Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze the contraindications for eye donation in a Hospital Corneal Retrieval Programme at a tertiary care hospital in Uttarakhand, India. Settings and Design: This was a prospective, nonrandomized, cross-sectional, observational, hospital-based study. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted over 18 months, analyzing 500 potential donors whose corneas could not be retrieved due to contraindications. Data were collected from intensive care unit (ICU) records, including medical history, laboratory reports (viral markers and blood cultures), and clinical findings. Contraindications were categorized according to the Eye Bank Association of India guidelines. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed using SPSSv16, with categorical variables expressed as percentages and quantitative variables as mean ± standard deviation. Results: Sepsis emerged as the predominant contraindication (62.4%, n = 312) with positive blood culture observed in only 24.3% ( n = 76) of these cases. This was followed by seropositivity (13.2%, n = 65; hepatitis C virus 58%, hepatitis B surface antigen 29.2%, and human immunodeficiency virus 12%) and viremia (11%, n = 55; dengue 94.5%). Other less frequent contraindications included tuberculosis (4.8%, n = 24), meningitis (3.2%, n = 16), prolonged ICU stay (>3 days; 4.2%, n = 21), and degenerative brain disorders (0.6%, n = 3). Conclusions: Current sepsis-related donor rejection criteria may limit corneal tissue availability, with over half of rejected cases (52.9%) showing negative blood cultures. Incorporating microbiological confirmation alongside clinical assessment may optimize donor eligibility.